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HMAS
Melbourne replenishes the USS Firebolt.
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During
recent operations in the North Persian Gulf, HMAS Melbourne (CMDR
Vern Dutschke) was tasked to conduct a resupply at sea with USS
Firebolt, a USN patrol boat employed in the shallow Iraqi waters.
With some adaptable engineering and creative fendering, HMAS Melbourne
gladly put on her auxiliary oiler replenishment hat and provided
underway service.
In addition to some 8500 gallons of fuel, the ship’s supply department
provided fresh Simulator bread and a few other essentials.
Since then the word appears to have gotten out and Melbourne has
conducted similar operations for USS Chinook (a sister ship to
Firebolt) and the US Coastguard Cutters Baranof and Wrangell.
