Ammunition Ships - T-AE

Description: One ammunition ships provide logistic support to U.S. Navy ships at sea.

Features: Ammunition ships operated by Military Sealift Command to provide underway replenishment of all types of ammunition via connected replenishment and vertical replenishment. Additionally, these ships frequently assist with the transfer of ammunition between weapons storage and maintenance facilities worldwide.

Background: USNS Kilauea (T-AE 26) was the first Kilauea-class ammunition ship to be transferred to Military Sealift Command in October 1980. Flint (T-AE 32)was transferred in August 1995, Kiska (T-AE 35) in August 1996 and Mount Baker (T-AE 34) in December 1996. Shasta (T-AE 33) was transferred in October 1997, and Santa Barbara (T-AE 28) transferred in September 1998.

When transferred to MSC operation, ships undergo a civilian modification overhaul. Accommodations are improved, main armament is taken out and ships are outfitted for reduced crewing by civil service mariners. There are seven underway replenishment stations -- four on the port side and three on the starboard side. is maintained in a reduced operating status (ROS), capable of entering service on 30-90 day's notice.

Point of contact:
   Public Affairs Office
   Military Sealift Command
   914 Charles Morris Court SE
   Washington Navy Yard, D.C. 20398-5540
   (202) 685-5055 or www.msc.navy.mil

General Characteristics: Kilauea Class
Builders: General Dynamics, Quincy and Ingalls Shipbuilding
Power Plant: 3 Foster-Wheeler boilers; 600 psi (42.2kg/cm2); 870°F (467°C); 1 GE turbine, 22,000 hp (16.4 MW); 1 shaft
Length: 564 feet (171.9 meters)
Beam: 81 feet (24.7 meters)
Displacement: 9,340 long tons (9,489.89 metric tons) light; 19,940 long tons (20,260 metric tons) full load
Speed: 20 knots
Aircraft: 2 CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters (normally embarked)
Ships: No homeports assigned
   USNS Flint (T-AE 32)
Crew: Crew size varies from 125 to 133 civilian mariners, and seven to 24 military personnel per ship.
Armament: None

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