The Sacramento Class was the first of the US Fast Combat Support Ships designed to keep up with the modern US Navy. She was one of eight ships built specifically for keeping the fleet supplied at sea. One of the greatest advantages of the US Navy battle groups is their ability to stay at sea for extended tours of duty. This class of ship enables those ship to continue to operate in time of war and crisis by supplying them on the go. It can rapidly replenishes US Navy task forces and can carry more than 177,000 barrels of oil, 2,150 tons of ammunition, 500 tons of dry stores and 250 tons of refrigerated stores. It receives petroleum products, ammunition and stores from shuttle ships and redistributes these items simultaneously to carrier battle group ships. This reduces the vulnerability of serviced ships by reducing alongside time. These ships can simultaneously supply tow ships on either side with over 1.5 million gallons per hour of Navy Standard fuel oil, JP-5 aviation fuel, and/or aviation gasoline. In addition the two CH46 helicopters can transfer supplies to other ships in the group.

The Sacramento and her first sister the USS Camden are unique in that their propulsion systems were originally installed in the uncompleted Iowa class Battleship the Kentucky BB-66. When the uncompleted Kentucky was scrapped  her propulsion system was split between the two ships. The Sacramento was commissioned: March 14, 1964 and served in the Viet Nam war. She has served in the Pacific and is home ported at Bremerton, WA. Sacramento earned 15 battle stars for service in the Vietnam War and continues to serve to this day.

Specifications: 
Displacement 18,884 tons (light) 49,956 tons (full load); 
Length 793' 
Beam 107' 
Draft 38' (max.) 
Speed 26 kts. 
Complement 22 Officers, 530 Enlisted 
Aircraft two CH46E Sea Knight helicopters 
Armament NATO Sparrow missiles, two twin 40 mm gun mounts, replaced by two Phalanx CIWS
Propulsion four boilers, two geared steam turbines, two shafts, 100,000 shp
 

Other ships in class:

AOE-2 Camden
AOE-3 Seattle 
AOE-4 Detroit 
AOE-6 Supply
AOE-7 Rainier
AOE-8 Arctic
AOE-10 Bridge

Kit Contents
The kit comes in the distinctive JAG tube, although this one is super sized due to the large size of this ship. Measuring about 14" this is a large kit. I never cease to be amazed at the quality of the casting on JAG kits. This one is no exception, in fact it raises the bar further with fine detailing and impressive casting. The bottom of the hull is hollowed out to reduce the casting material needed to fill the mold, as well as help to maintain a more consistent wall thickness allowing for more even curing of the resin. Click images
to enlarge
A look at the forward superstructure reveals the amazing thin section of the upper deck. Note the clean molding making this casting look more like a master than the final product. All along the hull you can see the conduit and hatch details.
The hull sits perfectly flat and needs no cleanup other than a light touch at the waterline. The deck and winch placement is even lightly etched onto the deck surface allowing for easier equipment placement.
It is hard to find any fault in this kit, but if I were to find one thing that could be improved it would be a helicopter hanger that could be opened up.
Typical of most JAG kits this one include most of the superstructure cast in place. The extra resin parts are cast on a thin resin wafer and include extra platforms and deck equipment including the gas cylinders racks and deck winches.
 
Photo's of pre production parts test fitted together.

 
The refueling derricks are cast in white metal. Most parts have small strips of metal flash still attached to them. This allows the metal to flow through out the mold and to fill completely. Most of this flash fell away as I handled the parts, the rest is easy to remove with your hobby knife. The other deck deck equipment is very well cast and will require only a minimal cleanup.
Ships boats and the anti aircraft weapons are also included in the metal parts, again they are well cast with a minimum of flash.
A brass photo etch fret is included with the railings and derrick bracing, fittings and radar assembly. The fret is relief etched and the only thing missing is the deck railings. JAG omits these items to save cost for modelers who choose not to use them and also knowing that many of us have plenty of them in our spare parts boxes. Take note of the yardarms and their platforms.
This kit even include anchor chain, and fine wire for the refueling lines. Plastic rod is also supplied for boat derricks. It is nice to see these parts included in the kit rather than sending us on a last minute trip to the hobby shop to get them.
Two CH-53's are included with their own photo etch set. They are well molded and include resin landing gear and folded and deployed rotor blades.
The instructions consist of two B-size sheets with a parts list and history, as well as a plan and profile view showing the completed ship. There are two exploded views showing the ship in different stages of completion. These are clear and easy to follow and the only possible thing missing is some detailed rigging diagrams.
A decal sheet is included with number to do the first 4 ships in the class. Battle "E"'s and salad bars are also included. Deck markings are also there for the helo deck and a nice touch is the black oval sheets to use on the hull cutouts. This decal is well registered and all you have to do is carefully cut around each item you wish to use.
Conclusions:

It is great to have an underway replenishment ship to resupply our Battle groups. This kit will really open the door for some great diorama possibilities. It can be used to model any of the Sacramento class. The kit represents the Sacramento as built, but with the addition of a CIWS and a few other items it can be used to do a more modern version. A must have for any 60's to present day modeler. For ordering details click the JAG logo.
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