The amphibious commander occupies both task-group and task-unit roles because a landing must remain feasible from the sea. Marines can seize ground, but they should not be committed where the fleet cannot hold the position or sustain them. A change of operational command, or 'chop,' should occur only after the troops ashore are firm enough to act independently. Until then, the commodore's veto protects the landing force from demands that exceed naval support, logistics, or the security of its position. A short raid may never require this transfer, whereas a brigade landing does once the force is established ashore.
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The amphibious commodore as guardian of the landing force
Allied doctrine gave the naval commander authority to delay transfer of command until troops ashore were supportable.