1.   Marines will be landing from several San Diego-based ships, led by the amphibious assault ships Tarawa and Peleliu.

2.   Operation Downfall called for two amphibious assaults.

3.   Ross previously was assigned as executive officer of the amphibious assault ship Essex.

4.   The amphibious assault ship Peleliu will lead the ready group, which includes the Juneau and Comstock.

5.   A third brigade is at sea, ready for an amphibious assault.

6.   The airborne units were to secure the flanks of the amphibious assault.

7.   A seaborne US Marine task force was reported to be heading towards Kuwait having completed a dress rehearsal amphibious assault on the southern shore of the Saudi Arabian peninsula.

8.   An Associated Press reporter allowed aboard the Peleliu, an amphibious assault ship, reported on Saturday that Marine jump-jets had staged their first airstrikes against Afghanistan.

9.   Avondale manufactures amphibious assault vehicles and other military ships.

10.   Avondale, based in Avondale, La., manufactures amphibious assault vehicles and other military ships.