Despite their age, MSC T-AOE vessels remain workhorses. Originally owned and operated by the Navy, these ships came under MSC control in the early 2000s. Today, only two operational AOEs are left in the fleet: the USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) and the USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8). Both ships were launched in the 1990s and show signs of wear and tear.
Designated as fast combat support ships, T-AOEs can keep pace with aircraft carriers and support an entire strike group. They combine the cargo capacity of T-AKEs and the fuel capacity of T-AOs, making them capable of resupplying an entire strike group on their own. While they don’t carry as much cargo as T-AKEs, they hold more fuel than T-AOs and are significantly faster than both. Aircraft carriers favor deploying with these vessels for their efficiency in delivering stores and fuel while maintaining a fast pace.
You might wonder, “If these ships are so great, why don’t they build more?” The answer is cost. T-AOEs are powered by gas turbine engines, and it takes a lot of fuel to propel a 750+ foot ship at over 25 knots.
If you are assigned to an AOE on deployment, expect to be busy. These ships are worked hard but offer a great platform to gain extensive UNREP (underway replenishment) experience quickly. It’s a unique opportunity, with only two operational AOEs, providing valuable experience and good pay, though it comes with hard work.
Some crew members have been stationed on these ships for years, developing a strong attachment reminiscent of the old Navy specs. This almost cult-like attraction among veterans can be comforting for those who remember the USNS Bridge, the USNS Rainer and the older AFS ammo ships.
Characteristics
Propulsion: 4 GE LM2500 gas turbines, 2 shafts producing 105,000 horsepower.
Length: 754 Feet.
Beam: 107 Feet.
Displacement: 48,800 Tons.
Top Speed: 25+ Knots.
Flight Deck: Typically deploys with 2 VERTREP capable MH-60 helicopters.
Operational Characteristics
Dry Cargo: 250 Tons
Ammunition: 1800 Long Tons
Refrigerated/Frozen Cargo: 400 Long Tons
Cargo Diesel Fuel: About 4 million gallons
Cargo Jet Fuel: About 2.6 million gallons
Cargo Stations: 6 plus the flight deck
Fuel Stations: 5
Crew Size
MSC Crew: 100-160 people.
Military Detachments (if applicable):
Air Detachments: 30-40 people
Security Detachment: 20-30 people.
Mission- Aircraft Carriers CLF Provider of Choice
The main mission of the T-AOE is to provide cargo to the United States and allied Navies at sea. The Combat Logistics Force (CLF) is a crucial component of the United States Navy, delivering essential logistical support that ensures the Navy’s global reach, operational readiness, and mission effectiveness. By facilitating underway replenishment operations, CLF vessels supply fuel, ammunition, food, and other critical resources to naval forces at sea, enabling them to sustain operations far from home ports and logistical infrastructure.
This capability enhances operational continuity by reducing the need for frequent port visits and extends the Navy’s ability to project power and influence across multiple maritime domains. Whether conducting combat operations, training exercises, humanitarian assistance, or disaster relief missions, the CLF fleet ensures naval forces remain well-equipped and mission-ready. T-AOEs provide flexibility, adaptability, and resilience, allowing the Navy to respond rapidly to emerging threats, crises, and contingencies in dynamic and challenging environments. Without CLF vessels like T-AOEs, the Navy’s ability to sustain naval forces at sea would be limited, hindering their ability to safeguard national security interests on a global scale.
Underway replenishments (UNREPs) are the process of transferring sustaining materials at sea. There are two types of transfers in an UNREP: Connected Replenishments (CONREPs) and Vertical Replenishments (VERTREPs).
CONREPs are conducted between a CLF vessel, such as the T-AOE, and a Navy ship. T-AOEs can provide both jet fuel and dry cargo to aircraft carriers and their supporting ships. Although aircraft carriers are nuclear-powered and do not need diesel fuel for propulsion, they typically receive around 2 million gallons of jet fuel per week for flight operations. AOEs can resupply aircraft carriers, destroyers (DDGs), cruisers (CGs), and foreign vessels before needing to return to port.
During a CONREP, vessels maneuver into position and maintain a precise distance from each other. Rig crews then transfer fuel hoses and cargo lines between the ships. Supplies such as fuel, ammunition, food, spare parts, and other critical materials are transferred “over the wire” to the customer vessel. AOEs often have two vessels alongside at the same time—an aircraft carrier to port and a smaller ship to starboard.
Simultaneously, an AOE can conduct a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) with the connected ship or another ship in the area. VERTREP uses helicopters to transfer supplies at sea, particularly useful when ships cannot maneuver close together or another constraint prevents them from coming alongside. During VERTREP operations, supplies are loaded onto pallets and lifted by helicopters from one ship to another. The helicopter hovers over the receiving vessel’s designated landing area, drops the material onto the deck, and repeats the process. Seeing an AOE operating at full capacity with two vessels alongside and conducting a VERTREP is truly impressive. If you’re on the main deck, stay alert, as forklifts will be zipping around!
If you are assigned to an AOE, expect to get into a rhythm of seeing and resupplying a group of Navy ships. Over time, you will notice patterns and start to judge your customers. Some ships are smooth sailing, and the UNREPs go well, often ending with the customer ship sending UNREP cookies as a sign of goodwill. Other customers are less coordinated and don’t send any treats! UNREPs are a delicate dance between ships in the middle of the ocean, supporting America’s interests. They are truly a sight to see!
If you are new to MSC and want to learn more, check out the other articles on CIVMAR.com. If you’re an MSC veteran with a good UNREP story, shoot us an email—we would love to share it!
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