USS Denver Conducts Replenishment at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Casey H. Kyhl, Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

Posted: Oct. 5, 2011

PHILLIPINE SEA - The forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) Oct. 3 with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9).
 

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 3, 2011) - Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) look on as Denver pulls alongside the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) before a replenishment at sea. Denver is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting operations in the Western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Casey H. Kyhl) | Download

The ship received more than 160,000 gallons of diesel fuel marine and 25 pallets of supplies during the ship's first RAS ever with the Matthew Perry and Denver’s first in more than eight months.

“Today’s evolution went very well,” 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 resupply 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 onboard 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 RAS allows ships to continue their missions 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.”