UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT NWP 4-01.4 - Historic Naval Ships ...

NWP 4-01.4APPENDIX EStandard Operating Procedures forMSC-Controlled Tankers Assigned toExtended Fleet OperationsE.1 BACKGROUNDAt any one time, MSC point-to-point tankers areengaged in carrying DOD petroleum products toArmy, Navy, and Air Force installations worldwide.Charger Log IV, a CNO-sponsored program, evaluatesand exercises the inherent replenishment capability ofthese tankers to extend and support Navy operations byopportune tanker fuel transfers (consolidations) to fleetoilers or major combatant ships. COMSC and fleet directivesprovide guidance for these exercises.Middle East contingency operations made unusualdemands on fuel support to units operating in the IndianOcean and Mediterranean Sea. MSC-controlled tankerswere diverted from point-to-point operations and usedover an extended period to shuttle fuel from shore depotsto MLSF oilers under direct control of the fleet operationalcommander. Fuel replenishments were carried outunderway and at anchor. The value of this capability inthe event of future contingencies has been recognized.However, prolonged assignment of tankers to direct fleetsupport missions generates unique problems not coveredin the abbreviated Charger Log IV exercise situations;therefore, these procedures have been developed to enhancethe efficient transition of MSC-controlled tankersassigned to extended fleet operations.E.2 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONSOnce the fleet commander has generated a requirementfor MSC tanker support beyond a single opportunereplenishment, a message request will initiate theadministrative procedures outlined herein. Dependingon the urgency of the initial rendezvous, the ship willnormally be positioned for POL load-out and for inspections,briefings, and outfitting with special communicationsequipment under the supervision of MSCrepresentatives. A combined MSC/fleet briefing teamwill provide the ship with all necessary instructions andwill coordinate required material augmentation fromfleet and MSC resources.E.3 TANKER CAPABILITIESE.3.1 Underway Replenishment. The merchanttanker shall be prepared to receive two spanwire fuelingrigs at two stations on one side and to pump at leasttwo products to any fleet replenishment ship or majorcombatant capable of providing the necessary hoseswhile underway. Any additional fuel delivery capabilitywill depend on the individual characteristics and capabilitiesof the selected merchant tanker. For example,some tankers have sufficient hose to rig “jumpers” andreceive two double rigs, thus enabling the tankers topump back through four hoses simultaneously at fuelrates of approximately 12,000 bbl/h (1,900 m 3 /h).E.3.2 At-Anchor Replenishments. In additionto UNREP of fleet oilers and major combatants, themerchant tanker shall be able to provide two hoses for simultaneousfueling of two tankers alongside at anchor. Itmay also be necessary to consolidate fuel from anotherMSC point-to-point tanker at anchor. Since the consolidationmay take place in international waters at anchoragesfar from any port facilities or tug services, thenicest sense of judgment and preplanned procedures forcoming alongside must prevail, with special regard forthe wind, sea, and current conditions. For ship controlpurposes in some situations, it may be desirable to havethe delivering tanker underway at very slow speed whilethe extended fleet support tanker makes a cautious approachto put over the necessary mooring lines. Whenproperly aligned and made fast, both ships reduce wayand, on signal, the loaded tanker will let go the anchor.This “underway” approach method should be attemptedonly when both ships are adequately fenderedand the masters have thoroughly discussed and preplannedthe approach.E-1 ORIGINAL