VERTREP

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A MH-60S Nighthawk lifts cargo nets of supplies from the stern of the USNS Supply (T-AOE 6)
A MH-60S Nighthawk lifts cargo nets of supplies from the stern of the USNS Supply (T-AOE 6)
The hook-up man manually engages and disengages loads, while a second person holds a static discharge wand to ground the hook, preventing dangerous discharge.
The hook-up man manually engages and disengages loads, while a second person holds a static discharge wand to ground the hook, preventing dangerous discharge.[1]

VERTREP is an abbreviation for Vertical replenishment. This refers to aerial supply of seaborne vessels by helicopter. The United States Department of Defense defines VERTREP as:

...the transfer of cargo between ships using helicopters. VERTREP is often used to supplement connected replenishment. Weapons loads, generally limited to 4,000 pounds, are transferred from the supply ship to the flight deck of the amphibious ship. The decided advantage of a VERTREP is that it can effect replenishment without ship-to-ship connection.[2]

While popular in use, it is considered relatively dangerous (as compared to other repelenishment methods) as it involves danger to the loading personnel due to the helicopter and the load, and in turn, potential risks to the helicopter due to FOD.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Hookup and Release Procedures (from the 'globalsecurity.org' website. Accessed 2008-04-25.)
  2. ^ OPNAVINST 8000.16 VOLUME II United States Department of Defense, 01 September 1999, Chapter 6, Page 6-3-3
  3. ^ Replenishment Methods (from the 'tpub.com' website. Accessed 2008-04-25.)
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