USS Theodore Roosevelt Conducts Refueling at Sea with USS Omaha

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Terence Frank Deleon Guerrero | 191202-N-ZX120-1081 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec 2, 2019) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12) pulls alongside the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for a fueling at sea. Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting routine training in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Terence Deleon Guerrero)  

PACIFIC OCEAN

12.02.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Pyoung Yi 

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)     

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12) held an at-sea refueling, Dec. 2, 2019.

The at-sea refueling was the first time a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier has refueled an Independence-variant LCS.

“Proving that we can do this evolution gives any operational fleet commander more ability to employ the unique capabilities of littoral combat ships,” said Cmdr. Edward Rosso, commanding officer of USS Montgomery’s (LCS 8) Blue Crew, which embarked on Omaha for the refueling.

Approximately 500 Sailors were involved in the refueling, which transferred 4,000 gallons of fuel in under two hours.

“It’s impressive to see both teams come together and seamlessly accomplish an aircraft carrier to LCS refueling,” said Capt. Brett Crozier, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “This evolution allows us to hone our proficiencies and ensure we’re able to support any Navy ship in the fleet.”

A fuel transfer at sea is known to be dangerous and there are challenges to overcome even in today's world of advanced technology and laser-accurate measurements.

“I think it comes down to teamwork,” said Lt. j.g. Clyde Adams, assistant first lieutenant of Theodore Roosevelt. “It wouldn’t be possible without teamwork from the bridge, teamwork from the engineers, from deck department on the fueling station, and the training everyone goes through, from our side and Omaha’s side.”

The ships’ crews used station-to-station radios, hand signals, signal paddles, and phone-and-distance lines to ensure the teams on both ships maintained proper communication throughout the event.

Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting routine training in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

For more information on USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit https://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn71/Pages/default.aspx

• Date Taken: 12.02.2019
• Date Posted: 12.06.2019 18:57
• Story ID: 354624
• Location: PACIFIC OCEAN