The U.S. Military Sealift Command has issued the following news release concerning the USNS Arctic, which is crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division.USNS Arctic deploys with Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group
Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Arctic deployed with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group on Oct. 13 for a six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.
Crewed by 160 civil service mariners and 60 embarked Sailors, the 754-foot Arctic is one of more than 30 civilian-crewed MSC ships that provide at sea logistic support to deployed U.S. Navy ships. Ships like Arctic enable Navy combatant ships to remain at sea, on station and combat ready for extended periods of time.
Nearly 7,600 Sailors left Norfolk, Va., aboard U.S. Navy ships including aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman, guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey, guided-missile destroyers USS Barry and USS Mason. The fast-attack submarine USS Albuquerque is also underway as part of the carrier strike group.
Arctic will provide food, fuel, supplies and ammunition to the carrier strike group throughout its deployment. With a top speed of 25 knots, Arctic is ideal for re-supplying Navy ships at sea. Additionally, two on-board Navy MH-60 helicopters will provide vertical replenishment.
"Last year, Arctic deployed with the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and has supported USS George Washington and her escorts as well as various amphibious ships including USS Wasp and USS Kearsage," said Capt. Randall H. Rockwood, Arctic's master. "We are proud to be able to supply the U.S. military with much-needed food, fuel and ammunition -- sustaining U.S. forces wherever they may be."
MSC operates more than 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish Navy ships at sea, chart ocean bottoms, conduct undersea surveillance, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move 95 percent of military equipment and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces.
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