predetermined speed. In most cases, the replenishment
ship maintains its course and speed while the other
ship(s) maneuver(s) into position alongside. A
separation of about 100 feet is maintained between
ships, with the replenishing ship frequently serving
ships both to port and starboard. Messenger lines are
passed to the receiving ships, which send back
telephone and distance measuring lines and then haul
over cargo-handling gear or fuel hoses by means of the
messengers.
Ships designed for that purpose do most of the
replenishment, but major combatant ships are capable
of refueling smaller ships. Even the smallest ships can,
and do, transfer light freight, mail, and personnel by
means of highlines.
In addition to the standard replenishment
capabilities, all recently constructed, as well as many of
the older auxiliary, ships have helicopter platforms for
the transfer of munitions, personnel, cargo, and stores
by vertical replenishment. Vertical replenishment
permits a receiving ship to remain on station in combat
formation, eliminating the necessity of temporarily
immobilizing itself by going alongside another ship for
replenishment.
Ammunition Ships.—Ammunition ships (AEs)
(fig. 8-33) operate with replenishment groups to deliver
ammunition and missiles to the fleet at sea. Their design
incorporates a mechanical handling system for more
rapid loading and off-loading of ammunition. The
mechanical handling system includes such equipment
as dual-cantilevered elevators in the holds; forklift
trucks; and low-lift, power-operated transporters on the
main deck for handling palletized ammunition from the
elevators to the transfer stations. Universal portable
metal dunnage provides maximum stowage with ready
access to all types of ammunition. A tension highline
system is built into the design along with new, improved
electro-hydraulic cargo winches for replenishment at
sea. These improvements provide for much more rapid
and reliable transfers and conservation of deck space.
These ships are capable of handling all types of missiles
(fig. 8-34).
Oilers and Tankers.—Oilers (AOs), carrying
Navy fuel oil, jet fuel, and other petroleum products,
operate with replenishment groups and deliver their
cargo to ships at sea. Oilers, as well as ammunition ships
(fig. 8-35), can service ships on both sides simulta-
neously.
The AO (Jumbo) is a conversion of the AO that
includes the installation of a new midsection in the hull.
This midsection increases the payload and provides for
an improved balance of cargo fuel products to meet the
more recent demands placed upon the AO by the
increase in fleet requirements for jet aircraft fuel.
8-28
Student Notes:
Photograph courtesy of PH3 Jason Branson
Figure 8-33.—USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) off-loads ammunition onto ammunition ship USS Mount Hood (AE 29).
