Sustainment (Naval Logistics)

The provision of supplies, fuel, maintenance, and services that keeps deployed naval forces in action over time and distance. Naval sustainment combines afloat logistics (combat logistics ships conducting replenishment at sea) with advanced bases, sealift, and the maintenance and supply chain ashore. It is one of the principles of joint operations in US doctrine and the practical limit on how long and how far a fleet can fight; the combat logistics force and Military Sealift Command provide the bulk of the at-sea capability.