Plugging in an Aircraft Carrier in the Middle of the Sea

Having the most powerful Navy in the world is no easy task, and the British knew this when they ruled the seven seas. In order to maintain their maritime power all over the world, they had to build a vast network of coaling stations to keep their ships fueled and supplied at all times.

As the US became an undisputed naval superpower after World War 2, it, too, needed a way to supply its massive ships in every corner of the ocean. As such, the US Navy adopted the Replenishment at Sea doctrine, a concept that had been vaguely explored as far back as the end of the 18th century.

The risky endeavor entails a warship and a supply ship aligning perfectly as they cruise through the ocean; both vessels need to maintain flawless communication and placement, immediately correcting any slight course deviation. Using tensioned cables, the supply ship delivers fuel and material supplies to the warship, which can continue operating according to its mission parameters.

Due to its inherent risks, the process was deemed impossible for large capital ships, as analysts considered them too big to perform the constant and immediate maneuvers needed to keep the ships apart.

Still, to the world’s surprise, Replenishment at sea has evolved dramatically, and recent fascinating footage shows how a massive US carrier is being supplied on the go…

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