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Bataan Stocks Shelves, Fills Tank for Deployment

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110414-02
4/14/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Lea Boyce, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, Atlantic Ocean (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed her largest replenishment at sea (RAS) in more than two years April 13, taking on fuel from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) and supplies from the dry-cargo ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2).

Bataan loaded up with about 400 pallets of food and cargo, brought aboard by MH-60S Seahawks, and approximately 590,000 gallons of fuel for the ship and on board aircraft.

"It's the most pallets we have received since my two-and-a-half years of being stationed here," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Samuel Heaston, who helped move and store supplies. He said everyone was involved and the whole day seemed to flow well.

A RAS this size requires the participation of the entire ship. Bataan Sailors and Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), who weren't involved in flight operations or in navigating the ship, came together to form a "working party" in Bataan's hangar bay to help inspect, inventory and stow each individual box.

"Everybody is involved," said Chief Warrant Officer Lester Griffith, Bataan's food service officer. "When it comes to a RAS, it takes the entire complement of the crew to make sure that we are successful."

Bataan and the MEU have been together for just over two weeks, but the blue-green team stands side-by-side for every shipboard evolution.

"I see everybody coming together as a team, and I think that's good for both the blue and green side," said Cpl. Paul Winstead, an aviation structural mechanic attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced). "Being in close quarters like this working party really gives us the opportunity to get to know one another."

Planning a RAS of this magnitude took the careful coordination of every department on the ship.

"There is a lot of logistical planning that takes place before the RAS even starts; it's behind the scenes," said Griffith. "Everybody has a piece they need to execute. In order to execute that piece, you need to plan, prioritize, and you have to organize. If we don't do those three things, we are setting ourselves up for failure."

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) and 22nd MEU deployed three months ahead of their original schedule to relieve the Kearsarge ARG and 26th MEU, currently conducting operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

The BATARG is comprised of Bataan, amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41).