afloat pre-positioning force

Shipping maintained in full operational status to afloat preposition military equipment and supplies in support of combatant commanders’ operation plans. The afloat pre-positioning force consists of the three maritime pre-positioning ships squadron, the Army’s afloat pre-positioning stocks-3 ships, and the Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, and Air Force ships. Also called APF. See also maritime pre-positioning ships. (JP 4-01.2)