America Completes First Replenishment-at-Sea

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170724-30
Release Date: 7/24/2017 3:37:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexander Ventura II USS America Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) completed their first connective replenishment (CONREP), as well as first replenishment-at-sea (RAS) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP), for the ship's maiden deployment, July 19.

The supplies were provided by the Military Sealift Command Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9).

During the CONREP, Sailors polished their skills in bringing in supplies, while Marines refined their talent on the flight deck as they wrangled in materials flown in by helicopters during the VERTREP.

Conducting these evolutions successfully is pivotal to allow the ship to remain at sea for extended periods of time without having to pull into port for fuel, food or equipment.

"We are topping off our supplies to continue to be underway for the next several weeks," said Lt. Jan-Paul Amposta, principal assistant for logistics aboard America. "We do this to ensure the crew of America is fed (and) that we have a fresh supply of fruits, vegetables, milk and provisions to keep the crew sustained."

America received more than 75 pallets of cargo comprised of goods and equipment necessary to continue the mission.

The success of these complex evolutions is due to the many departments on board working together. In addition, more than 100 Sailors and Marines from various departments on the ship helped supplement the evolution by assisting in the movement of the materials received to their appropriate locations.

"Supply division moved the provisions to the storerooms and coordinated the evolution in the hangar bay," said Amposta. "Weapons department shot the lines to get connected with the Matthew Perry. Engineering [department] kept an eye on the ship's propulsion system, ensuring America is on pace with the Matthew Perry. Deck [department] conducted all the line handling and supply is coordinating the CONREP evolution.

"Furthermore, Marines assigned to combat cargo department on the ship were stationed on the flight deck receiving supplies via helicopter."

"We ensure safety is paramount within the evolution," said Marine Chief Warrant Officer 4 James Kemp, combat cargo officer aboard America. "We had senior personnel on the flight deck acting as safety observers and Marines walking along with the pallet drivers to guide them to their destination."

Amposta said crew's efforts throughout the evolution was greatly appreciated.

"It's hard work," said Amposta. "We were all up well before dawn to get on station. It shows the dedication that our crew has to complete the mission."

America is currently deployed as part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, commanded by Amphibious Squadron 3. The ARG also consists of the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). They are operating with embarked forces of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, and detachments from Assault Craft Unit 5, Naval Beach Group 1, Beachmaster Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 1 and Tactical Air Control Squadron 11.

The America ARG/15th MEU will provide senior U.S. military leadership and coalition partners with a flexible force which can rapidly respond to contingencies and crises within a region. With ships, aircraft, troops, and logistical equipment, the ARG/MEU is a self-contained and self-sustained task force capable of conducting everything from combat operations to providing humanitarian assistance.

The America ARG is part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 and U.S. 3rd Fleet. Third Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.