How about these great images from Commander, Submarine Group 9, showing a commercial contract H225LP Super Puma Mk II assigned to the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) delivering supplies to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) via VERTREP “somewhere in the Pacific.”
As modern boomers (and SSNs) are only restricted in how long they remain at sea in terms of how long the groceries last, the capability to fly in chicken wheels and sliders is key in extending patrols in extremis.
PACIFIC OCEAN (June 28, 2024) – An AS-332 Super Puma assigned to the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) delivers supplies to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) during a vertical replenishment at sea, June 28, 2024. The presence of the SSBN in the Pacific demonstrates the flexibility, survivability, readiness, and capability of the U.S. Navy submarine forces and complements the many exercises, training, operations, and other military cooperation. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew McPeek
PACIFIC OCEAN (June 28, 2024) – An AS-332 Super Puma assigned to the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) delivers supplies to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) during a vertical replenishment at sea, June 28, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew McPeek
PACIFIC OCEAN (June 28, 2024) – An AS-332 Super Puma assigned to the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) delivers supplies to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) during a vertical replenishment at sea, June 28, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew McPeek
The Puma shown, EC225LP Serial 2785 Register N568AC, is one of several operated by Air Center Helicopters out of Guam on a Navy contract. For sure, a nice money-saving fixture, especially with MSC-crewed ships, but could prove ephemeral once bullets start flying.