This thing looks like a modern re-interpretation of the WWII Mulberry Harbor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulberry_harbour
In this case, the harbor can go wherever you go and doesn't tie you to a politically undesirable piece of land or force you to defend your supplies (from hungry mobs). It will make a tempting target for any adversary with near peer capabilities but I suppose any contested landing would follow establishment of air/sea/underwater superiority. I wonder what the trade studies showed for alternatives such as an upgraded LST? I can't imagine something as big as a T-AKE or RO-RO ship ever beaching itself and disgorging it's cargo. It will be interesting to watch the first actual deployment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDt7VwKNmYo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulberry_harbour
In this case, the harbor can go wherever you go and doesn't tie you to a politically undesirable piece of land or force you to defend your supplies (from hungry mobs). It will make a tempting target for any adversary with near peer capabilities but I suppose any contested landing would follow establishment of air/sea/underwater superiority. I wonder what the trade studies showed for alternatives such as an upgraded LST? I can't imagine something as big as a T-AKE or RO-RO ship ever beaching itself and disgorging it's cargo. It will be interesting to watch the first actual deployment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDt7VwKNmYo