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Underway Replenishment Ensures Navy's Flexibility, Forward Presence

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090703-12
Release Date: 7/3/2009 6:08:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tiffany Sivels, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS Bonhomme Richard, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) conducted an underway replenishment (UNREP) with the Fleet Replenishment Oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO-202) July 1.

In order for Bonhomme Richard to carry out the Navy's mission effectively, it must be able to remain at sea for prolonged periods of time. This is made possible through the efforts of Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships that are equipped to replenish underway with fuel, ammunition, and spare parts.

"The two most common methods of UNREP that are used are connected replenishment (CONREP) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP), said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW/AW) Michael Fifer. "They can be used singly or at the same time."

Vertical replenishment is carried out by helicopters with the ships in close proximity, or miles apart depending on the situation and the amount of cargo to be transferred. Connected replenishment involves two or more ships that steam side-by-side, with hoses and lines used to transfer fuel, ammunition, supplies and personnel connecting the ships.

"Replenishment with the ships alongside each other makes it possible to service two ships at once, with numerous replenishment stations to each ship", said Fifer. "For instance yesterday just as we were receiving fuel, so was the USS Rushmore (LSD 49)."

In addition, by replenishing alongside rather than astern, the whole formation of ships can maintain a greater speed of up to 16 knots as opposed to the 7-8 knot maximum speed for astern refueling.

Fifer added that by replenishing alongside, both fuel and dry cargo can be transferred, instead of being limited to just fuel.

Although MSC is a vital asset to the Navy's mission, a successful UNREP could not be completed without the help of the receiving ship.

"Most of the work that deck department does is done the day prior," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Mason West, a native of Spanway, Wash. "But during the day of the evolution, we man the forward and aft lookout, fueling stations three and seven and bridge watches.

Weapons department ensures the phone and distance (PND) line (which shows the distance between each ship) is received by the refueling ship and the lines used to retrieve the fueling hoses are fired successfully.

"This was an all-hands evolution and a great example of teamwork and excellence at its best," said Bonhomme Richard Commanding Officer Capt. John Funk.

Bonhomme Richard, the flagship for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, is underway conducting an initial integration exercise with the Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

For more news from USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.