USS Fitzgerald Refuels at Sea from Replenisher Oiler USNS Rappahannoc

The United States Navy reports that the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, recently refueled at sea from the replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), a common but perilous task that the USN has perfected.

Things went well for the two ships and the operation was completed without mishap. Both ships were taking part in SHAREM 155, an exercise to hone ships' anti-submarine war fighting capabilities. Ships like the Fitzgerald can perform anti-submarine operations, ship to ship fighting, and anti-aircraft or anti-missile roles.

Boatswain Mate William Biles was a safety observer during the refueling, one of many men assigned to watch over the transfer of over 170,000 gallons of fuel. The two ships steam ahead next to one another. Lines are thrown between the ships and the hoses are pulled across the narrow space between them and linked up. Pumping begins. The Captains have to be on their toes because the ships could easily drift into one another, causing damage, or they could pull too far apart, in which case lines can snap and hoses break. A line snapping can severely injure a Sailor standing on deck, so everyone has to be aware of the dangers.

The refueling takes about an hour or at most perhaps two. Because the Fitzgerald is forward deployed, meaning constantly on station, steaming around, it needs refueling and replenishment constantly. The task happens about every three days. There are many Sailors responsible for safety. In this case, Boatswain's Mate Lindsey Garcia was responsible for the forward line and the safety of the crew, making sure that they all have a weather eye out for danger.

Dry goods are also replenished at sea, not at the same time that refueling is taking place. Often this is done by helicopter. The Fitzgerald has a helicopter, and other ships can assist in replenishing the destroyer in time of need. The ship has a flight deck aft. This not only allows for resupply by air, but gives the ship a longer reach in combat situations. The helicopter can launch various weapons from further out and help to monitor enemy activities.

The Rappahannock also has a flight deck aft. It has a small compliment of military, with a larger one of civilian contractors.

Other ships that are participating in the important exercise are USS John S. McCain, USS Lassen, and USS McCampbell.

The Fitzgerald is named after a Navy hero in Vietnam who sacrificed his life to provide cover for his comrades when the Viet Cong had nearly over run the South Vietnamese forces that he was fighting with. The Rappahannock is named after the famous river on the East Coast of the US.

USS Fitzgerald Refuels, Seaman Bryan Reckard, USN