When a unit is deployed overseas, most supply support is normally received from the combat logistics force   (CLF)   and   local   purchasing   offices.   The receiving process will be basically the same as in U.S. ports   except   when   at   anchor;   then   additional arrangements must be made with the ship’s departments for  boat  requirements  and  use  of  shipboard  crane equipment. Local harbor operations and shore-based facilities are sources for additional information and equipment  support,  if  required. Underway Replenishment UNREP is the art and science of supplying ships at sea  with  fuel  and  stores.  The  primary  value  of  an UNREP  is  realized  during  wartime  since  it  permits  a combat ship to remain at sea for an indefinite period of time.  The  peacetime  advantages  provide  valuable training  of  personnel  in  the  complex  procedures  of supplying  several  vessels  simultaneously  while  they  are proceeding at reasonable speed. In general, UNREP serves a dual purpose; it provides ships with materials needed to perform their mission and provides training for personnel on issuing and receiving ships in the procedures essential for transferring material at sea. Senior  AKs  play  an  important  role  in  UNREP. They must work closely with other senior petty officers and  officers  of  the  supply  department  in  planning  the replenishment procedures and in supervising the work in progress. It is principally with regard to planning that the  background  and  knowledge  of  the  experienced  AK is essential. This  section  highlights  the  attention  of  the  senior AK on the essential elements in planning and executing replenishment on board a typical aircraft carrier when receiving supplies at sea. No effort is made here to provide a complete outline or list all the numerous steps in  detail  form  since  the  procedures  of  receiving  stores under way are not standardized to the point that an acceptable  blueprint  can  be  furnished.  Therefore, emphasis  is  placed  on  the  factors  that  must  be considered  in  formulating  local  plans  for  efficient functions under local conditions. These factors include the  coordination  of  various  departments,  the  stations  to be  manned,  the  amount  of  stores  anticipated,  the personnel and equipment required, and the special procedures  and  safety  precautions  normally  employed during  replenishment  operations. When all necessary factors are considered and all essential planning, teamwork, speed, and precision have been executed skillfully, the UNREP operation can then be termed successful. On the other hand, when the operation goes sour because of inadequate planning or from other causes, the situation then becomes a nightmare of confusion in a matter of minutes, and the disorder that results may require many hours of hard work  to  correct. It is important to remember that the ship is in a vulnerable condition during UNREP and failure to take proper   safety   precautions   because   of   incomplete planning or confused execution could result in great loss of life and prevent the ship from performing its primary mission. PREPARATION  FOR  UNREP.—  Delivery  of material during UNREP/INREP is basically a five-step process  as  follows: l l l l l Requisitions are submitted to a CLF unit by message,  mail,  or  tape. The CLF unit stages the requested material according to its delivery plan. Material is transferred to the requesting ship by highline   or   connected   replenishment (CONREP), helicopter (VERTREP), or in-port replenishment   (INREP). Material  is  delivered  to  a  drop  point  and distributed  to  various  receiving  points,  usually  a storeroom or central DTO processing area. Material  is  then  placed  in  storage  (if  for  stock) or turned  over  to  the  ordering  department  (if  for DTO). The pace of replenishment at sea prohibits accurate verification of receipts at the drop points. Material should  be  removed  from  the  drop  point  before  the physical   receiving   process   begins.   The   following procedures are recommended to provide a smooth flow of material during UNREPs: . Assistance will be requiredmquhed from personnel outside the supply department. The UNREP should be carried  out  under  the  supervision  of  experienced personnel. Personnel should be assigned to specific tasks and supervisors should make sure that assigned tasks are understood and that personnel assigned to operate  materials-handling  equipment  are  qualified. l A plan should be developed to distribute material from each drop point. Full advantage should be taken of  available  materials-handling  equipment  (forklifts)  as well  as  the  ship’s  design  and  installed  materials- handling  capabilities. 3-14