During the Gilbert operation, the "sea going service station" concept emerged. Sabine and other oilers were assigned designated station areas. Individual combatant ships were sent to these areas in accordance with a preplanned schedule, rather than steam in groups to the areas where each might lose hours waiting for her turn alongside the oiler.
During the Gilbert operation, a "sea-going service station" concept emerged.  Sabine and other oilers were assigned designated areas. Individual combatant ships were dispatched to these areas according to a prearranged schedule, rather than steaming in groups to the areas where each might lose time waiting for its turn alongside the oiler.