Historical: The History of Vertical Replenishment
CH-46D Sea Knights rotates positions during vertical replenisihment (VERTREP) as USS Lassen (DDG 82) pull alongside to receive supplies. Photo taken by
and AEs sometimes achieved rates approaching and often exceeding 50-60 tons/hr. These huge increases in cargo transfer rates were equaled in impact by the enormous personnel transfer capability. Where the H-34 or H-2 could take 4-6 passengers from ship to ship, the H-46 could transfer 20 or more, including baggage and mail. The H-46 totally transformed Fleet logistical operations and capability. In some cases Vertrep was viewed as almost too capable as more and more surface units began to prefer VERTREP to the exclusion of connected replenishment (CONREP) as a consistently faster and safer way to conduct underway replenishment. VERTREP is a vital mission and it has grown largely in accordance with its original vision, although the needs have changed with the changes in fleet operating methods and tactics. The change to significantly increased night ops, for example, mean fewer night replenishments. The H-46 has been replaced by the H-60 with greater lift capacity. New ship designs on both transferring and receiving ships have increased the ability to move cargo transferred by VERTREP. But these and other changes have not made the mission any less demanding, fun and exciting to fly.
Rufadora Helicopter Bar
Olongapo, Luzon Island, Philippines Article By CDR Joe Skrzypek, USN (Ret)
THE HISTORY Naval Base Subic Bay (adjacent to NAS Cubi Pt) was a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the Spanish Navy and United States Navy located in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines. The Navy Exchange had the largest volume of sales of any exchange in the world, and the Naval Supply Depot handled the largest volume of fuel oil of any Navy facility in the world.[1] The naval base was the largest overseas military installation of the United States Armed Forces after Clark Air Base in Angeles City was closed in 1991. Following NB Subic Bay’s closure in 1992, it was transformed into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone by the Philippine government.
THE SEA STORY Once upon a time, there was a little village called Olongapo, where sailors went, in the Philppine Islands. It is in Subic Bay, just outside the Naval Base gate. These sailors came from everywhere in the Western Pacific. Liberty started after crossing the bridge over what is referred to as the “Fragrant River”, or words to that effect. They remember the young ladies, dressed in pure white, standing on small banka boats with a funnel shaped object to catch coins. The ladies called
Rotor Review # 126 Fall ‘14
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