The United States Navy
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Ammunition Ships - T-AE

Updated: September 15, 2003

image of USNS Kiska Description: Six ammunition ships provide logistic support to U.S. Navy ships at sea.

Features: Ammunition ships operated by Military Sealift Command provide underway replenishment of all types of ammunition via connected replenishment and vertical replenishment methods. Additionally, these ships will 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 Oct. 1, 1980. Flint (T-AE 22) was transferred in August 1995, Kiska (T-AE 35) in August 1996 and Mount Baker (T-AE 34) in December 1996. USNS Shasta (T-AE 33) was transferred Oct. 1, 1997 and USNS Santa Barbara (T-AE 28) transferred to MSC's operation on September 30, 1998. When transferred, the ships underwent a civilian modification overhaul during which accommodations were improved, main armament taken out and ships were outfitted for reduced crewing by MSC. Seven UNREP stations operational; four port, three starboard. USNS Santa Barbara is currently maintained in reduced operating status (ROS), capable of entering service on 30-90 day's notice.

Point of Contact:
Public Affairs Office
Military Sealift Command
Washington, 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 (42.3kg/cm2); 8700F (4670C); 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 tons (9,489.89 metric tons) light; 19, 940 tons (20,260 metric tons) full load
Speed: 20 knots
Aircraft: 2 MH-60S Seahawk helicopters (normally embarked)
Ships: No homeports assigned
USNS Kilauea (T-AE 26)
USNS Santa Barbara (T-AE 28)
USNS Flint (T-AE 32)
USNS Shasta (T-AE 33)
USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34)
USNS Kiska (T-AE 35)
Crew: 125-133 civilians, plus 30 naval personnel in the communications and helicopter detachments.
Armament: None

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