ships have been described as floating supermarkets, and they carry virtually every type of food and supply needed by our Navy ships. Military Sealift Command combat stores ships carry spare and repair parts for other ships and aircraft and also have a limited capability to transfer fuel to other Navy ships at sea. Supplies and fuel are transferred to other ships using lines and hoses suspended above the water to another ship as the ships move forward at the same speed and sometimes less than 50 feet apart. SATURN is capable of replenishing two ships at the same time, one on either side, using this side-by-side technique. Dry stores are also transferred by using helicopters to lift large cargo nets and pallets loaded with supplies and parts. SATURN has elevators and mobile equipment for handling stores internally on the ship. Helicopters are not assigned to SATURN on a full-time basis, but fly aboard for extended periods of time while the ship is at sea.

USNS SATURN was formerly known as R.F.A. STROMNESS. The ship was built in the United Kingdom and commissioned into the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1967. The U.S. Navy purchased R.F.A. Stromness from the British in the early 1980's, and USNS Saturn entered service with Military Sealift Command in 1983 as T-AFS 10.

CIVMAR INFORMATION
Civilian Mariners (CIVMARS) on board USNS SATURN are a vital part of the MSC Fleet. Their areas of expertise encompass a wide variety of occupations ranging primarily from the engineering, deck and supply departments. Current compliment is approximately 120 personnel. Tour lengths are 4 months in duration with an extension option available.

MILDET INFORMATION
U.S. Navy personnel perform in the Operations and Logistics areas. The Officer community consists of Supply Officers, that manage the ship's cargo material that eventually will find its way to other naval vessels. Enlisted ratings on board include Operations Specialists, Information Systems Technicians, Electronics Technicians, Personnelmen and Storekeepers. Current tour length for enlisted military members aboard Saturn is 12 months. Officers serve up-to a two-year tour.