Combat Logistics Force vessels providing underway replenishment of dry cargo, ammunition, and provisions to Navy ships worldwide. Known for diverse operational cycles and competitive compensation.
The T-AKE class vessels play a crucial role in the Combat Logistics Force (CLF) and are common assignments for CIVMARs with Military Sealift Command. With 14 vessels under MSC's purview, 12 vessels are tasked with conducting underway replenishments (UNREPs), while the other 2 vessels are critical components of the Marine Corps Maritime Prepositioning Force.
Being assigned to a T-AKE vessel is a common occurrence due to the number of ships under MSC's control and the larger crew size. These vessels offer a higher standard of living and engage in a variety of operations. From beans to bullets and Red Bull to jet engines, T-AKEs are the backbone of naval logistics worldwide.
Note: Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) and Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) are the prepositioned vessels with reduced manning
The T-AKE's main mission is to provide cargo to the United States and allied Navies at sea. While AKEs can and do provide fuel, they are primarily tasked with moving cargo such as food, ammunition and repair parts.
The Combat Logistics Force (CLF) stands as an indispensable pillar of the United States Navy, providing essential logistical support that underpins the Navy's global reach, operational readiness and mission effectiveness. By facilitating underway replenishment operations, CLF vessels ensure the continuous supply of fuel, ammunition, food, and other critical resources to naval forces at sea.
Sustain operations far from home ports and logistical infrastructure
Project power and influence across multiple maritime domains
Respond to emerging threats, crises, and contingencies
Underway replenishments (UNREPs) is the process of how fleet sustaining materials are physically transferred at sea. There are two types of transfers that make an UNREP: Connected Replenishments (CONREPs) and Vertical Replenishments (VERTREPs).
Conducted between a CLF vessel and a Navy ship. T-AKEs regularly provide 600-1,200 pallets of cargo to a carrier each event.
Method of replenishing naval vessels using helicopters. Particularly useful when ships cannot maneuver close together.
Life on AKEs: If you are assigned to an AKE, expect to get into a rhythm of seeing and re-supplying a group of Navy ships. Some customer ships are smooth sailing and send UNREP cookies at the end of the evolution as a sign of good will. Others... don't send any treats! UNREPs are a delicate dance between ships in the middle of the ocean — truly a sight to see!
Information based on current T-AKE operations and sailor experiences
Deployment schedules and operations may vary based on fleet requirements
