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Kearsarge Conducts Underway Replenishments

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071009-11
Release Date: 10/9/2007 3:55:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Santos Huante, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) completed its fifth deployed replenishment with USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE-1) at sea Oct. 9.

Kearsarge replenished fuel and supplies to maintain an active forward-deployed presence at sea and remain mission ready.

In the past, ships returned to port to receive supplies. Now, Navy ships can resupply and refuel within hours at sea. Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships are equipped to replenish Navy ships underway with fuel, ammunition, provisions, and spare parts.

This requires coordination between not only the two ships, but with the Sailors aboard Kearsarge to receive and store supplies.

“It takes a big part of the command to ensure this evolution runs smoothly,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Russell Rowden, Operations Department leading petty officer.

The Navigation Department sets a safe course to meet the supply ship at a pre-determined rendezvous point. The Deck Department assembles to perform the precarious task of linking the two ships with tensioned wire rigs to receive fuel and cargo. The Air Department coordinates delivery of supplies from helicopters during a vertical replenishment.

Kearsarge safety observers ensure that all evolutions follow Operational Risk Management to minimize and prevent any hazards or injury to all involved.

Once the cargo starts to arrive aboard Kearsarge, a working party, consisting of Sailors and Marines, is called away. The number of personnel needed for the working party could range from 50 personnel to an all-hands evolution.

“The efforts of everyone in getting the supplies from pallets to carts and passed between individuals is important when storing away large amounts of material quickly and safely,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Nestor Reyes.

“This carefully choreographed event occurs safely throughout the deployed fleet daily and is a perfect example of how professional mariners pull together to complete the mission,” said Cmdr. Leroy Hill, the C5I Department Head.

Kearsarge is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations.