Service Craft

Service Craft is a critical component of the Navy's ship maintenance and support operations. The program aims to provide the necessary service craft to support carriers, submarines, and other Navy vessels through port operations, ship maintenance, testing, and training missions. With nearly half of the Service Craft inventory over 40 years old, the program focuses on the acquisition of replacement craft such as Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium (AFDM), Auxiliary Personnel Lighter - Small (APL(S)), Harbor Tug (YT), Small Harbor Tug (YTL), Fuel Oil Barge (YON), Waste Oil Barge (YWO), Covered Lighter (YFN), Open Lighter (YC), and Repair, Berthing and Messing Barge (YRBM). These craft are essential for vessel towing, escort, personnel transfer, emergency services, refueling, transporting cargo/equipment, and providing crew messing and administrative spaces during maintenance availabilities.

The specific objectives of Program 5113 include modernizing the aging Service Craft inventory to ensure operational readiness and safety standards compliance. This involves replacing outdated craft with new ones that meet current requirements and regulations. Additionally, the program aims to enhance the quality of life for sailors by improving crew berthing and administrative spaces during maintenance availabilities. The acquisition of replacement craft also addresses environmental concerns by introducing double-hulled barges that comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA-90) for transporting fuel oil and oily waste water. Overall, Program 5113 seeks to maintain a reliable fleet of service craft to support the Navy's global operations effectively.