6 August, 2009 - This morning we conducted an Underway Replenishment (UNREP in Navy lingo) to top off on fuel. We always like to keep our fuel levels at the top end of the gage just in case we are called on to execute a mission that takes us away from our current operating area. Kind of like keeping more than half a tank of gas in your car during hurricane season, because you never know when you might need that extra fuel.Transferring fuel while underway is similar to pulling up beside an eighteen wheeler hauling fuel on the interstate and having him pass you a fuel nozzle to fill up your tank, all while going freeway speed. Of course we have standard procedures for all of this in the Navy and we routinely practice the skills necessary to execute an at sea refueling.
We had great weather conditions again today and our time alongside went quickly. Just over an hour to take on 100K gallons or so. The crew performed magnificently as always and before I knew it we were back on station conducting our next training event.
