The U.S. Military Sealift Command has announced that concerned family members of mariners serving aboard any MSC and government-owned or chartered ship can now check on a vessel's status and general location, toll-free."Our mariners' families are part of the MSC family, too," said Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, commander of MSC and a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine. "We are proud to offer this information during these uncertain times."
Family members of mariners who dial (888) SEA-LIFT (732-5438) and press 2 will be put in contact with an MSC employee who can tell them in general terms where the ship is operating and its general status.
This hotline also was available during the first Persian Gulf War. Vice Adm. Brewer said he hopes that it can be used along with other forms of communication to keep family members informed.
MSC, the ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense, operates about 120 civilian-crewed, noncombatant active ships around the world. MSC ship missions include the transport and afloat prepositioning of defense cargo, underway replenishment and other direct support to Navy ships at sea as well as at-sea data collection for the U.S. military and other U.S. government agencies.
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