 Navy attack cargo ships were assigned a specially-trained Marine Corps officer called the "transport quartermaster" or "combat cargo officer" to oversee their proper combat loading.When a ship is combat loaded, each item must be stored so it can be unloaded at a time and in a sequence that will most effectively support the planned activities ashore.Whenever possible, the loading scheme must also provide flexibility to accommodate changes in the tactical plan, and to allow access to cargo that is required to meet emergency calls for equipment or supplies.