USS George H.W. Bush Conducts First Vertical Replenishment

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman J. Scott St. Clair, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

May 25, 2010 - USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), the Navy's 10th and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, conducted her first vertical replenishment with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) May 18.

According to Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Chris J. Morrison of Weapons Department and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW) Joe A. Zavala of Air Department, the evolution involved more than 350 Sailors and approximately 36 tons of ammunition and ordnance, valued at more than $6 million.

Although Bush has completed multiple underway replenishments, this was the first vertical replenishment the ship had attempted. Morrison said that the onload was a perfect example of how far the aircraft carrier's crew has come.

"We're definitely improving," said Morrison, the ammunition accountant leading petty officer. "With each evolution we get better and better, but we're keeping in mind that we still have a long way to go. This replenishment was great practice for the major onload we will be doing in the following months, in preparation for our maiden deployment."

The onload took 79 aerial lifts, provided by MH-60S Knighthawks from Helicopter Combat Sea Squadron (HSC-9) and was completed in roughly two and a half hours, which Zavala said was faster than all the previous replenishments, despite this being the first vertical replenishment the Sailors have done.

"The evolution went according to plan," said Zavala, of V-2 Division. "Considering this was the first time the crew had attempted a vertical replenishment, their performance was excellent. I'm extremely proud of the way the flight deck crew took charge of the evolution," he said.

In addition to this being Bush's first vertical replenishment, it is also the first time the aircraft carrier has embarked with its entire complement from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. Zavala noted that the operation was a great opportunity for the crew and air wing personnel to gain experience working together.

"With the new addition of the air wing, it's all starting to click together," he said. "That is why the evolution went so well."

Morrison attributed the success of the operation to extensive training and to the command's leadership.

"The success of the evolution came down to training, drills and good planning," he said. "Our leadership set us up for success."