USNS LEWIS & CLARK; Elavator Motors

The SMS procedures 10.6-002 list the Cargo Weapons Elevators as critical equipment. The 150 HP Cargo Elevators requires refurbishment by an (OEM) representative. The only known OEM vendor that has provided motors and/or refurbishment services for these motors is Ward Leonard Electric. The motors must meet current configuration to obtain NAVSEA certification of T-AKE Class Cargo Elevators. No other brand of motor will meet the NAVSEA requirements. The OEM holds the exclusive license agreement for repairs and overhauls of T-AKE Class elevator motors. The OEM has access to business sensitive drawings and tools for these repair services and access to provide parts and technical data / drawings from the original manufacturer, as required to properly repair and maintain the equipment. MSC does not have the manufacturing and technical information required to evaluate and determine whether non-OEM components and replacement parts offered are equivalent to the OEM components and replacement parts. The loss of the cargo weapons elevators places the T-AKE ships in different levels of CASREP situations; in some cases rendering the ship unable to perform the primary mission of providing underway replenishment services to the fleet, until repairs are completed. Proper repair and maintenance is critical to the safe operations of T-AKE vessel cargo weapons elevators and also safety of the crew.