Rough seas a factor in Mount Whitney refueling
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USS MOUNT WHITNEY, Baltic Sea — Despite nine to 12 foot seas and 35-40 mile-per-hour winds, USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) completed an underway replenishment (UNREP) without incident June 12 while deployed for Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise 2009. Whitney pulled alongside USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189) for refueling allowing the ship to continue its mission without delay.
"The big benefit of underway replenishment," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. A.J. Gloria, BALTOPS surface operations and assistant exercise planner, "is not having to stop and get fuel, food or supplies ashore or while anchored, so the ship can stay on track while transiting from point A to point B."
There are several risks involved with an UNREP. Long hoses are extended between the supplying ship and the receiving ship. The ships involved must be very close to each other, between 120 and 180 feet, bringing with it inherent dangers.
"Ships this close must be fully aware of the unforgiving power of the sea," said Gloria, "and the Venturi effect they create. The bridge crew needs to be constantly aware, looking out not just for proximity to the supply ship but also for any other obstacles that may be around." The Venturi effect is a phenomenon that occurs when the area water travels through gets constricted, explained Gloria. This diminishes pressure which can potentially make two objects, like refueling ships, collide. Ships' speed and water depth are also factors, he said.
BALTOPS is comprised of forces from 12 countries and is the largest multinational naval exercise this year in the Baltic Sea. Annually hosted by the United States Navy, the exercise aims to improve maritime security in the Baltic Sea through increased interoperability and cooperation among regional allies.
Mount Whitney, home ported in Gaeta, Italy is the flagship for Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and routinely operates throughout the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility with a hybrid crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command Civilian Mariners.
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