The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) with Military Sealift Command Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) Jan. 19.
This is the first RAS Bonhomme Richard has conducted during 2015.
Normally, a RAS consists of Bonhomme Richard receiving fuel, supplies and food to support its crew. Military Sealift Command ships are the designated ships tasked with delivering the fuel and supplies.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fueling) 1st Class Marchello Roberts, V-4 fuels division leading petty officer, said:
Bonhomme Richard received 120,000 gallons of fuel during the RAS. The fuel we receive is essential in performing our mission. We use a lot of this fuel to support air operations and allow our aircrafts to patrol the skies.
While refueling, Bonhomme Richard received 250 pallets of supplies containing food as well as aircraft and ship components.
Press release, Image: US Navy