2015-08-25 In this video shot on August 24, 2015, a key member of the ECLAS-M Seabee team describes the basic capabilities of the Elevated Causeway System-Modular (ELCAS-M) and answers questions about how it might be used.
Explaining the ELCAS and Its Uses from SldInfo.com on Vimeo.
According to a press release from the 2nd Expeditionary Strike Group:
8/15/15 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Seabees and Sailors assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalions (PHIBCB) 1 and 2 along with other Naval Beach Group (NBG) 2 commands are constructing the Elevated Causeway System-Modular (ELCAS-M) on Anzio Beach at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story through September 2015.
The ELCAS system is a modular pier which can be built to a length extending up to 3,000 feet and can be assembled where port facilities are damaged or non-existent to provide logistics support to joint forces after an amphibious assault of an enemy beach or while conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Active and Reserve Component Seabees from PHIBCB 2 and PHIBCB 1 will be constructing 480 feet of ELCAS pier at Anzio beaches 2 and 3 during the training event.
Starting in July, PHIBCB 2 began the embarkation and site preparation phase of the ELCAS operation.
Following embarkation and site preparation, construction of the ELCAS pier will take place in August with crews working ten-hour daily shifts, seven days-a-week until the build is completed.
Throughput operations, the offloading of vehicles, equipment, and containers from water craft onto the pier head and then transporting the cargo via trucks down the pier and over the beach, is slated to take place at the end of August/early September.
Upon completion of throughput operations and following the Labor Day holiday, disassembly of the ELCAS pier and retrograde of the system will take place throughout the month of September.
The ELCAS has not been built since 2011.
The photos in the slideshow show various aspects of the operation.
The first credited to 2nd ESG shows the pier in toto.
The other photos are credited to Second Line of Defense and show the crane as well as the piles being driven into the sides of the pier to support its operation.
The pier can be built out to 3,000 feet and can be configured to accommodate the ships needed to support an operation.