When a unit is deployed overseas, most supply support is normally received from the combat logistics force (CLF) and local purchasing offices. The receiving process will be basically the same as in U.S. ports except when at anchor; then additional arrangements must be made with the ship’s departments for boat requirements and use of shipboard crane equipment. Local harbor operations and shore-based facilities are sources for additional information and equipment support, if required. Underway Replenishment UNREP is the art and science of supplying ships at sea with fuel and stores. The primary value of an UNREP is realized during wartime since it permits a combat ship to remain at sea for an indefinite period of time. The peacetime advantages provide valuable training of personnel in the complex procedures of supplying several vessels simultaneously while they are proceeding at reasonable speed. In general, UNREP serves a dual purpose; it provides ships with materials needed to perform their mission and provides training for personnel on issuing and receiving ships in the procedures essential for transferring material at sea. Senior AKs play an important role in UNREP. They must work closely with other senior petty officers and officers of the supply department in planning the replenishment procedures and in supervising the work in progress. It is principally with regard to planning that the background and knowledge of the experienced AK is essential. This section highlights the attention of the senior AK on the essential elements in planning and executing replenishment on board a typical aircraft carrier when receiving supplies at sea. No effort is made here to provide a complete outline or list all the numerous steps in detail form since the procedures of receiving stores under way are not standardized to the point that an acceptable blueprint can be furnished. Therefore, emphasis is placed on the factors that must be considered in formulating local plans for efficient functions under local conditions. These factors include the coordination of various departments, the stations to be manned, the amount of stores anticipated, the personnel and equipment required, and the special procedures and safety precautions normally employed during replenishment operations. When all necessary factors are considered and all essential planning, teamwork, speed, and precision have been executed skillfully, the UNREP operation can then be termed successful. On the other hand, when the operation goes sour because of inadequate planning or from other causes, the situation then becomes a nightmare of confusion in a matter of minutes, and the disorder that results may require many hours of hard work to correct. It is important to remember that the ship is in a vulnerable condition during UNREP and failure to take proper safety precautions because of incomplete planning or confused execution could result in great loss of life and prevent the ship from performing its primary mission. PREPARATION FOR UNREP.— Delivery of material during UNREP/INREP is basically a five-step process as follows: l l l l l Requisitions are submitted to a CLF unit by message, mail, or tape. The CLF unit stages the requested material according to its delivery plan. Material is transferred to the requesting ship by highline or connected replenishment (CONREP), helicopter (VERTREP), or in-port replenishment (INREP). Material is delivered to a drop point and distributed to various receiving points, usually a storeroom or central DTO processing area. Material is then placed in storage (if for stock) or turned over to the ordering department (if for DTO). The pace of replenishment at sea prohibits accurate verification of receipts at the drop points. Material should be removed from the drop point before the physical receiving process begins. The following procedures are recommended to provide a smooth flow of material during UNREPs: . Assistance will be requiredmquhed from personnel outside the supply department. The UNREP should be carried out under the supervision of experienced personnel. Personnel should be assigned to specific tasks and supervisors should make sure that assigned tasks are understood and that personnel assigned to operate materials-handling equipment are qualified. l A plan should be developed to distribute material from each drop point. Full advantage should be taken of available materials-handling equipment (forklifts) as well as the ship’s design and installed materials- handling capabilities. 3-14