By Captains Jason Ivey and Glenn Macario
STENA IMPERATIVE
On August 15, the STENA IMPERATIVE, which is enrolled in the Tanker Security Program, conducted a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with Japanese Navy tanker OUMI. With the successful operation, the STENA IMPERATIVE earned her CONSOL certification, and is now one of three TSP tankers to have earned it.
Training started days before on August 11 when the STENA IMPERATIVE moored to Dock T-4 in Sasebo across from the OUMI. Both ships’ key personnel held an informal meeting on August 11, followed by a much larger and formal meeting on August 12, to discuss training to prepare for the at-sea evolution. Two instructors from MSC in Port Hueneme came out to witness the evolution and provide guidance.
Three ‘dry runs’ were made across the pier connecting the OUMI’s hoses to the STENA IMPERATIVE’s forward CONSOL station. August 13 saw both crews touring the opposite vessel to get familiar with their working areas.
On August 14, a final meeting was held to confirm the sequence of events at sea. Both ships got underway early on August 15 and proceeded south of Sasebo. By 1236, OUMI was approaching STENA IMPERATIVE. Hoses were over and connected to the forward station at 1303 and disconnected at 1311 for a successful ‘dry run’ at sea.
OUMI shifted about 70 meters aft and sent her hose over to the aft CONSOL station, with hose connected at 1356. From 1400 to 1436, 1,250 barrels of F-76 was pumped to OUMI for a successful ‘wet run.’ OUMI’s hose was disconnected and she cleared the side of STENA IMPERATIVE at 1502. Both instructors from Port Hueneme acknowledged a successful evolution and that the ship would now be CONSOL certified.
The OUMI’s hoses are connected to the STENA IMPERATIVE’s forward CONSOL station for a ‘dry run’ at sea.
The OUMI’s hoses are over and connected to the aft CONSOL station on the STENA IMPERATIVE.
The ROBB coupling is connected to the aft CONSOL station on the STENA IMPERATIVE – ready to pump.
STENA IMPERATIVE crewmembers at the ship’s aft CONSOL station heaving in the span wire messenger.