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USS Fitzgerald Completes Refueling at Sea

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080223-17
Release Date: 2/23/2008 9:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel S. Weber, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Japan

WESTERN PACIFIC (NNS) -- The crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) successfully completed their second refueling at sea (RAS) of the deployment Feb. 22, while underway in the Western Pacific.

RAS evolutions present unique challenges and dangers, according to Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) William Biles, leading petty officer of Fitzgerald's 1st division.

"For refueling at sea, we've got to be really good at what we do," he said. "We're in motion alongside another ship, and there are a lot of people involved. We're moving parts back and forth across the water. Everything has to be precise because there are a lot of things that could go wrong if we're unsafe."

For Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Cody Black, a rig captain for the evolution, RAS requires experience and a sharp eye.

"Pretty much all of our evolutions are dangerous, but RAS is especially dangerous," he said. "The level of intensity is very high. You really want to be on your toes and keep your eye out for anything that could happen, because there's no room for complacency; you have to be sharp."

Boatswain's mates aren't the only Sailors involved during a RAS, many members of the Fitzgerald team play a part.

"It requires teamwork on the ship," said Biles. "Our division alone can't supply all the people we need."

"It's more of a whole-ship evolution," agreed Black. "You've got the boatswain's mates that are running the stations, but you've got people from every division out there handling lines."

Despite the danger, both Biles and Black said they enjoy the excitement of refueling while the ship is underway.

"It always feels good after a RAS that went well," said Biles. "As a division, we're proud of ourselves when we're done."

"It's a very exciting evolution," said Black. "Everyone's pumped up, the adrenaline is rushing, and it's awesome."

Fitzgerald, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka is underway on a scheduled deployment.

For more news from USS Fitgerald, visit www.navy.mil/local/ddg62.