Stores ships can replenish a carrier's aviation ammunition and supplies at sea, allowing its air group to keep operating. The May 2024 comparison identifies a gap in reloading deployed vertical-launch missile systems while under way. Ticonderoga-class launchers had incorporated reload cranes, some of which appear to have been removed or replaced with extra missile cells. This limitation applies to the equipment then in service, with renewed interest in restoring a reload capability.
Notable Point · 1:11:53-1:13:03
Carrier ammunition replenishment and the VLS reload gap
The May 2024 discussion contrasts established replenishment of carrier aviation with the difficulty of reloading deployed vertical-launch missile systems under way.