I was kinda lazy at that evening, chatting with my buddy.
"Come, come over! Let's hang out!"
"Nah... I'll stay at my place tonight. Kinda tired"
He didn't let go, though. And when he suddenly facetimed, revealing that gorgeous, new guy he slipped in, I really wasn't so sure about staying home anymore.
PHILIPPINE SEA (September 14, 2020) -- United States Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) (left) conducts a replenishment-at-sea (UNREP & VERTREP) with Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11).
Fuel is coursing through the hose spanning the roughly 150-foot (45-meter) gap between the two ships (the UNREP part of the evolution)....as they steam together for several hours, tethered, on precisely parallel courses and speeds (usually 12 knots -- 14 mph / 22 kph).
Concurrently, two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters (the VERTREP part) ferry pallets of supplies, food, mail, spare parts, and anything else needed, from the supply ship to the warship.
This is a routine scene across the Navy Fleet....every day....around the globe. It’s a complex logistics miracle pulled-off with exceptional professionalism, expertise and efficiency.
Consider this like your own long road trip stop at a rest area -- for a fill-up, a meal, perhaps a little quick preventive maintenance on your vehicle, and some shopping....many thousands of miles from home.
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>>CLICK the top photo for a closer look at this complex operation for a superb perspective....
>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino, USN