LNS Achelous, along with 38 similar or identical sister ships of the ARL-1 class, operate within the Liberty Navy as mobile repair platforms, primarily servicing heavier capital and logistical craft in the field for both routine and emergency resupplying, maintenance, repairs and refits.
The ship has been lovingly bestowed with the nickname "Sacrificial Socket" by her mechanical crew, a term ironically borrowed from the action of using a cheaper, essentially disposable socket piece to remove a worn or damaged nut or bolt, destroying both in the process. Although the Navy and even the ship's captain insist the crew operate as highly professional engineers, the fact remains that getting a job done fast often means the difference between life and death - the weight of a dollar socket and cent bolt not holding any sway over the countless lives relying on their services.
The Achelous was first laid down within the docks of Norfolk Shipyard in Liberty's heartland alongside the more gracious relatives to whom she would later serve. Much like most ships within the Auxiliaries, the Achelous - and the crucial role she plays - is frequently taken for granted by not only the Navy itself but the general populace as well; both fascinated by the prideful combatant vessels that carry the flags of Liberty on their bows.
Nevertheless, since being launched in late 814 A.S the Achelous has operated without major fault or blemish to her service record - something which would be no less than expected of a repair ship. Originally based out of Norfolk Shipyard the Achelous has seen several home changes in her life, experiencing action both within Liberty's borders on low priority roles and also serving on the front lines of the war with Rheinland on far more pressing duties.
As with most auxiliary vessels, Achelous carries very limited armaments. The firepower she possesses is almost purely for the purpose of self defence, however, to date the humble craft has avoided major hostile conflict - the most serious damage she has sustained in her career in fact being caused by another Libertonian vessel in a mid-flight collision during docking procedures which, fortunately, saw no lives lost and only minor injuries caused.
Achelous was out of action for a brief period in early 816 A.S for repairs sustained however she was returned to service essentially unmodified from her original design.
Her crew numbers six full time officers with accommodation for up to three more long-term personnel with supplies capable of supporting up to approximately two dozen people for a month under emergency conditions should the need ever arise. The ship's operations are controlled by a Captain and flown by his or her subordinate officers, each of whom are trained in specialist mechanical and engineering fields.
The vessel's current Captain presents as a former petty officer specialising in engineering pulled from the Navy's massive pool of recently enlisted recruits and subsequently fast-tracked to fore-running role within the fleet. Although she is much younger than many of her peers bearing the same rank she has proven highly capable of performing her specialist operations - however her ability in combat both naval and personal is theoretical only.
Achelous' specialised external equipment includes a pair of grappling arms, each carrying precision-controlled robotic tools with the ship rounded out by powerful tug engines. Internally she stores a wide range of spare and replacement parts, service items, and emergency life-saving and recovery equipment; each item specifically manufactured to suit its' respective member of Liberty's fleet.
The LNS Achelous continues to serve the Navy diligently amidst the growing unease surrounding the current state of war both outside Liberty's borders and indeed within her walls against numerous threats.
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