USNS Wheeler Performs Demonstration, Holds Tour for Military Officials

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Madailein Abbott | 160317-N-WJ640-030 POHANG, South Korea (March 17, 2016)—The offshore petroleum distribution system USNS Vadm K.R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001) performs a "blow the nose" operation here, March 17. The action involves discharging water through pipes aft of the ship for either transfer of potable water or discharge. The Wheeler is the only ship of its kind stationed in the South Korea area and can transfer fuel from a tanker to depots ashore from up to eight miles off the coast. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Madailein Abbott/Released)  

POHANG, SOUTH KOREA

03.18.2016

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Madailein Abbott 

Military Sealift Command Far East

POHANG, South Korea - Several military officials, including Navy Vice Adm. Joseph P. Aucoin, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, attended a tour of the offshore petroleum distribution system USNS Vadm K.R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001) during exercise Ssang Yong 16, here, March 17.

The tour also included Navy Rear Adm. John B. Nowell, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Task Force 76; U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. John Jansen, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade; and Navy Capt. Robert Rochford, commodore, Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron Three.

Before the tour, the Wheeler also performed a demonstration of its “blow the nose” procedure, which involved pipes aft of the ship extinguishing water. The hose can used to transfer water to other ships or to land based containers.

“They hook up a tanker to the ship and the water is pumped through the Bow Discharge Unit,” said Rochford on the procedure. “They demonstrated the volume of water they can send through the pipes to be transferred. It’s unique for ships to have that capability and it’s what makes the Wheeler stand out.”

The vessel holds one million gallons of its own fuel which would enable the ship to be able to go around the world 1.5 times without having to refuel. The Wheeler creates its own water, making up to 60 tons of water a day. The ship can also transfer fuel from a tanker to depots ashore from up to eight miles off the coast.

“I think everyone was very interested to come see this Offshore Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS),” said Rochford. “Being able to see the capabilities the ship can bring to the table is critical. The Wheeler is unique to the fleet, she’s a strategic asset and nothing else can take her place.”

The Wheeler is one of five ships assigned to Pacific-based MPSRON-3. The USNS Montford Point (T-ESD 1), Wheeler, USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham (T-AK 3017), USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams (T-AK 3009) and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) are also participating in this year’s Freedom Banner and Ssang Yong exercises. The event, the largest multilateral amphibious exercise to date, promises valuable training for all involved.

MPSRON 3, operating in the western Pacific, maintains tactical control of the 12 ships carrying afloat prepositioned U.S. military cargo for the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force. The squadron’s mission is to enable force from the sea by providing swift and effective transportation of vital equipment and supplies for designated operations.

• Date Taken: 03.18.2016
• Date Posted: 03.18.2016 00:46
• Story ID: 192766
• Location: POHANG, KR