Underway Replenishment (UNREP)

U. S. Navy

Have you ever wondered how the U. S. Navy ships can remain at sea for long periods. While it is true that nuclear powered aircraft carriers can steam for years without refueling even they must go alongside supply ships to receive food stuffs for the crew and fuel for the airplanes. Other nuclear powered ships also need food supplies for their crews. In fact all the Navy Ships of all countries participate in Underway Replenishment Operations as a fact of life. Today, I the Flower Child will provide information about this special to the Navies of the World Fact of Life.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 30, 2009) Sailors and Marines gather on the port side of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) before an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194). Harpers Ferry is part of the Denver Amphibious Ready Group conducting a fall patrol in the western Pacific Ocean with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey H. Kyhl/Released)

In addition to alongside replenishments from fuel and supply ships the Navies of the World also receive supplies and mail via Vertical Replenishments using helicopters from the supply/fuel supply ships.

To learn more about the operational aspect of underway replenishments please visit:

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