The forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) in the Philippine Sea Oct. 3.
The ship received more than 160,000 gallons of diesel fuel marine and 25 pallets of supplies during the ship’s first-ever RAS with the Matthew Perry . This was Denver’s first RAS in more than eight months.
“ Today’s evolution went very well,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Elvis M. Acosta . “ It’s been a long time since our last RAS, so the training and safety briefs we conducted beforehand really paid off for us. ”
The design of the Matthew Perry allowed it to refuel and re-supply Denver and the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) simultaneously by way of connected and vertical replenishment.
“A lot of Sailors and Marines worked together to get all of our supplies on board today,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gilbert A. Raquino . “ The weather delayed our progress but, once we got going, everything was done quickly and safely.”
Conducting a RAS allows ships to continue their mission indefinitely without pulling into port.
“Many of the Marines that assisted us with the fuel transfer had never participated in this type of evolution, ” said Acosta. “ Despite the challenges, everybody stepped up, did their job and worked together to make this RAS a success.”
Denver is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group which reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. J. Scott Jones , headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.
[mappress] Source: navy, October 05, 2011