IKE and Arctic Perform Unique Underway Replenishment

Photo By Seaman Recruit Clarence Mc Cloud | U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Area of Responsibility - A Sailor aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) opens a fuel valve during an underway replenishment with the Fast Combat Support Ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8). IKE and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Clarence McCloud  

01.15.2007

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Leistikow
U.S. Naval Forces, 5th Fleet PAO

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, At Sea – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducted a rare six station replenishment at sea with the Fast Combat Support Ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) Jan. 15, while operating in U.S. 5th Fleet's area of operation in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

Because there are not many ships equipped to support an aircraft carrier with a six station RAS, replenishments of that magnitude are highly uncommon.

"I was on a replenishment ship, and I really can't recall sending six stations to an aircraft carrier," said Chief Warrant Officer Lyedell Gibson, IKE's Boatswain.

Extra stations allowed for more cargo to be moved faster.

"I think we should use six stations more often," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) David Campbell, deck plate supervisor. "That way we get more supplies."

IKE used three stations to send and receive almost 400 pallets, and the other three stations received about three million gallons of fuel.

"We had to train up for this," said Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Montgomery Wolfe, deck department's leading chief petty officer. "It's right on time since it's been a while since we've done an RAS."

The use of six replenishment stations takes a considerable amount of effort.

"Using more rigs takes people off a station," said Wolfe. "So it's more important for everyone to know their job and do it well."

IKE needed to make sure enough Sailors were qualified to meet the required number of personnel necessary to conduct a six station RAS.

"Through deck department's qualification program, the training we hold and the good leadership that we have, we were able to be very successful and make this RAS seem like clockwork," said Wolfe.

If more six station replenishments are needed, the Deck Department will be ready for the challenge.

"Eventually it will be just another day for us," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class David Benkendorf, 1st Division.

IKE is the flagship for the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which includes its embarked air wing, CVW-7, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68); guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87); and the fast attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750), all homeported in Norfolk, Va.

The IKE CSG departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va. Oct. 3 for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of MSO and entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations Oct. 30.

• Date Taken: 01.15.2007
• Date Posted: 01.17.2007 15:01
• Story ID: 8841