Helicopters are a major multiplier for presence missions conducted by escorts. A small group of Marines and sailors can be landed at several places to distribute water or make friendly contact beyond the port. The same movement demonstrates that the ship can place personnel ashore quickly and over a wide area. Humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, and coercive signalling can all use the same aviation capability.
Notable Point · 2:48:46-2:49:14
Helicopters let escorts extend presence ashore
An embarked helicopter lets even a small escort move people and aid inland while demonstrating reach to a host government.