Service Craft

The Service Craft program, identified as Line Item 5113 within the Navy's Shipbuilding and Conversion appropriation, is a critical component of the Navy's support infrastructure. Its primary objective is to procure, replace, and modernize a diverse fleet of auxiliary craft that provide essential services to Navy ships and submarines at ports worldwide. The program supports the acquisition of new service craft to replace aging assets, many of which are over 40 years old, and ensures compliance with current safety and environmental standards. It is managed by the Navy and supports operations at 56 commands globally, maintaining a fleet of 347 service craft across 33 different classes.

The Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium (AFDM) is a key procurement under this line item. Its goal is to provide dry dock capability for surface ships, including cruisers, destroyers, littoral combat ships, and landing ship docks. This enables scheduled maintenance and repairs. The AFDM acquisition addresses the need for modern dry dock facilities, replacing older assets and supporting fleet readiness by ensuring ships can undergo essential maintenance cycles efficiently.

The Harbor Tug (YT) and Small Harbor Tug (YTL) programs aim to replace legacy tugboats, particularly in the Northwest Region, Yokosuka, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. These tugs are vital for vessel towing, escort, personnel transfer, and emergency services. The new YT and YTL craft are designed to meet current port operations requirements, improve operational safety, and enhance the Navy's ability to maneuver ships and submarines in constrained harbor environments.

The Fuel Oil Barge (YON) program focuses on the procurement of double-hulled barges for the safe transport and delivery of liquid petroleum products to Navy ships. The new YONs are designed to meet the requirements of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA-90), significantly reducing the risk of fuel spills and environmental hazards. Many existing YONs are single-hulled and up to 60 years old, necessitating replacement to comply with modern regulations and operational needs.

The Waste Oil Barge (YWO) initiative is intended to replace extremely old barges, some of which are 66 to 78 years old and were not originally designed for oily waste transport. The new YWO barges will be double-hulled and equipped with specialized piping and transfer systems. This will improve the Navy's ability to safely offload and process oily wastewater from ships, supporting environmental compliance and operational efficiency.

The Covered Lighter (YFN) and Open Lighter (YC) programs provide platforms for the transport of ordnance, sensitive equipment, and general cargo, as well as serving as work platforms for ship maintenance. These craft are essential for logistics and maintenance operations, ensuring that equipment and supplies are moved securely and efficiently within naval installations.

The Repair, Berthing and Messing Barge (YRBM) program addresses the need for modern berthing, messing, and administrative spaces for crews of small to mid-size ships and submarines during maintenance availabilities. The new YRBM barges are designed to replace legacy assets that are up to 80 years old, are not built to current safety standards, and lack dual-gender accommodations. The FY 2026 budget request includes funding for one YRBM, supporting the Navy's goal of providing safe, modern, and compliant facilities for its personnel during critical maintenance periods.