Maersk Peary completes UNREP training exercise

Captain Chris Fox monitors the approach to the USNS Laramie from the bridge wing of the Maersk Peary.

On February 23, 2021, the M/T Maersk Peary and USNS Laramie, located in the Mediterranean Sea, conducted an underway replenishment (UNREP) dry run consolidated operations exercise for training purposes.

The fuel hose was connected from the Military Sealift Command vessel USNS Laramie to the Maersk Peary, which is operated under MSC charter by U.S. Marine Management, Inc. It was a dry run hookup and no cargo was pumped. However, the training exercise went well and will help to keep everyone on both ships well-trained and ready for UNREP operations.

The crew of the Maersk Peary had trained the prior few days and were up to the task. The USNS Laramie was also ready and they did a good job and were very good to work with during the exercise.

The consolidated operations (CONSOL) were done off the east coast of Crete. At approximately 0930, the Laramie started their approach down the starboard side of the Maersk Peary. The Peary was at a constant speed of 13.0 knots.

The USNS Laramie maneuvered next to us and lined up with the Maersk Peary's UNREP station.

The distance line was sent over in good order, followed by the tag line from the Laramie's UNREP area, again in good order. Next the spanning wire came over and was hooked up. Spanning wire tensioned up without issue. The hose was sent over and collected by the Maersk Peary without issue and rigged up to our UNREP manifold. The Robb coupling connected without issue.

The Peary sent back the tag line to the Laramie, followed up by the Laramie recoiling the hoses to their vessel from the Maersk Peary. After this was completed, the span wire was de-tensioned and the Pelican hook was tripped by the Bosun on the Maersk Peary and was retrieved by the Laramie in good order.

The Laramie and the Peary were in constant communication and a radio was sent over to our chief officer, who was in contact with the cargo officer on the Laramie. All communications were done in good order.

The CONSOL ended at 1124 and the Laramie started to pull away from the Maersk Peary, which held station until the Laramie was well past and clear. At that time the Maersk Peary resumed normal operations.

Captain Chris Fox
Master, M/T Maersk Peary

The Maersk Peary and USNS Laramie are successfully connected during the underway replenishment exercise in the Mediterranean Sea.

Chief Mate Michele Laycock (right) works with Bosun Ron Paradise and ABM Ben Wilson on hooking up the fuel transfer hose aboard the Maersk Peary.