USNS AMELIA EARHART; Propulsion Shaft Renewal

Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority: Wartsila Corporation of Helsinki, Finland is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the propulsion shafting system on all T-AKE Class ships. Wartsila Defense of Chesapeake, Virginia is the only authorized US distributor and technical representative for the shafting system and has access to proprietary data. Using any other type of non-approved parts will result in a "NO SAIL" certificate from the American Bureau of Shipping and the US Coast Guard.

SMS Number 10.6-002-ALL lists the Stern Tube Seals and Propulsion Shafting System as critical equipment. Failure or damage of the Stern Tube Seals and Propulsion Shafting System will result in total loss of propulsion thus becoming unable to perform the primary mission of providing underway replenishment services to the fleet, which will result in a CASREP. The loss of propulsion can also pose a hazard to the crew, due to limited ship maneuverability. Damage to these systems will cost the government millions of dollars for emergency dry docking to have these systems repaired so the ship can sail.