Manatee (AO 58) - Naval Cruise Book

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stands alertly in formation as the customer makes her final approach. STANDBY TO RECEIVE On deck, the Bosun ' s Mates and Deck Seamen layout necessary lines and give all rigs a final check to insure that no twists or breaks can foul the oper- ation. The Supply Storekeepers break out freight and provisions for transfer. Many of the ships served are at sea for twenty days continuously and must restore all provisions from ships like the MANATEE. The oiler has become an all purpose support unit: a combination post office, supermarket, and gas station. As the customer begins her approach from astern, the crew stands ready to take any neces- sary action. On the bridge, the Captain watches the approach, utilizing phone talkers to keep him in constant communication with all parts of the ship, while the Executive Officer oversees the final co- ordination of all preparations. The customer ship takes station about one hundred feet away and after a greeting from MANATEE, prepares to receive the fuel rigs. The rig captain signals to hold the winches by his upraised fist 19

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UNREPING: CONTINUED The job of underway replenishment is a neces- sary, difficult task, but training and coordination make it a smooth, rapid operation. Because of the inherent danger in the close operation between ships, only the best qualified helmsmen and throttlemen are at the ship ' s control stations. As the customer ship approaches, last minute communications and preparations are com- pleted. The Signalmen, utilizing flag and signal light, maintain close contact. In cargo central, the Shipfitters and Damage Controlmen in charge of the ship ' s cargo system complete the lineup of valves and lines. Since MAN- ATEE has 17 cargo tanks with three different prod- ucts, it requires a thoroughly knowledgeable crew to insure not only rapid delivery of quality fuel, but maintenance of ship stability and trim as the fuel is pumped off. SN GARCIA exchanges calls by light with an approaching ship. OM3 VOSS is backed-up on the helm by LTJG GABRIEL safety precaution

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The rigs hang from a span wire which the customer attaches above the fueling out- let and on which the MANATEE must maintain constant tension. On a signal, Gunner ' s Mates sling lead bolos with messenger lines at- tached. With these messengers the customer draws over the span wire and the rig. Led by GMG2 Andy Horton, MANATEE ' S Gunners built an impressive record of pre- cision throws. MANATEE even challenged all service force ships to a bolo contest; no takers appeared. On signol, the volve is opened and fuel flows through the rig. The hose rides over on a span wir Two men ready o cargo load for transfer. 20