Operational Cycle
Like other ships in the Combat Logistics Force (CLF), T-AOs generally follow a semi-typical schedule: they deploy for 2 to 8 months, then undergo a maintenance period. After that, they might serve as the East or West Coast duty tanker.
Port to Sea Time Ratio
Like the T-AKEs, T-AOs are responsible for resupplying the fleet. Typically, they spend 2-4 days in port loading fuel and stores, followed by 5-15 days at sea distributing these supplies. However, the exact schedule varies depending on the vessel and its mission. Unlike T-AKEs, T-AOs never need to anchor out due to explosive radius restrictions since they don’t carry ammunition.
Money Situation
Pay on a tanker is typically average for MSC ships—not the lowest, but not the highest either. While tankers might not offer the top pay rates, a busy operational schedule can provide additional overtime. It’s a common misconception that tankers don’t offer much overtime due to their focus on fueling missions; however, the availability of overtime will vary depending on the ship’s mission and budget. Keep in mind that tankers do not offer ammunition pay or berthing pay.
For the Deck Department
Deck Officers
T-AOs are twin screw vessels with controllable pitch propellers and diesel engines. Despite their age, they drive well. Whether fully loaded or light, they are favorite among deck officers when it comes to ship handling. The bridge has an engine order telegraph, and the cargo control system is straightforward.
Deck Day Workers
Dayworker on a tanker is standard. Expect typically maintenance and preservation as well assisting with UNREPs and fueling operations.
For the Engine Department
Engine Officers
On Kaiser-class tankers, all Engine Department officers are day workers, with a duty rotation shared among the 3rd A/Es and sometimes the 2nd A/E. At night, the engine room is unmanned and monitored by an alarm system that connects to the duty engineer’s room. This setup is also used while in port.
On the newer John Lewis-class ships, 3rd A/Es currently stand watch to monitor potential alarms due to the vessels’ new build status. However, the watch schedule is expected to eventually shift to match the Kaiser-class routine.
Engine Unlicensed
Unlicensed Engine Department crewmembers perform standard Engine Department duties like most other ships in the fleet. One difference between the Kaiser Class ships and the new-build John Lewis class ships is that 3 EU’s stand watch with the 3 rd A/E’s; however, this will change once the John Lewis Class ships are fully operational.
For the Supply Department
Steward Department
Food service is standard on a T-AO. Some may find it a little easier due to the reduced crew size when compared to an AKE or a larger vessel.
Supply Department
On a T-AO, the Supply Department is led by one Supply Officer and one Junior Supply Officer (JSO). The JSO handles both end-use and CLF (Combat Logistics Force) responsibilities. Tankers are well-supported, with most items available in the stock system and easily procured using a NIIN. Additionally, as a member of the Supply Department, expect to do a lot of tank sounding during fueling operations, as tankers have numerous tanks and frequently issue and load fuel.
For the Communications Department
The T-AO communications department is standard.
What to Read Next
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