Joint Logistic Support Ship-The Newest Link In The Supply Chain

摘要

UNREP, a term coined from Underway Replenishment has constantly become one of the most critical elements in the endurance of any naval operation. The growing trend for naval fleets to operate far from home waters is making UNREP more necessary than ever. International operations, such as the Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) in the Gulf of Aden requires the presence of UNREP ships so that combat ships can remain on station for extended periods. Although the single-role concept was proven very successful, they are now becoming more and more obsolete, thus many naval forces today eliminated the single-role concept for food, fuel and ordnance supply. Budget restrictions, high maintenance cost of ageing ships as well as the requirement of smaller fleets with superior capabilities has consequently resulted in the retirement of some logistic ships, resulted in the introduction of the new, multi-role, Joint Logistic Support Ship (JSS). This ship will be fitted with some of the latest technologies available and the novel employment of weaponry.