The USNS Watkins is one of the SIU-crewed ships that keeps the cargo moving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 (OIF3). The large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessel has just completed its 13th mission in the Middle East and is getting ready for the next voyage, according to Capt. Kurt Kleinschmidt, himself a former member of the Seafarers International Union.
Operated by Maersk Line, Limited for the Military Sealift Command (MSC), the vessel stopped in Jacksonville, Fla. for supplies, training and a crew change before sailing to Savannah, Ga. and then to the Middle East.
For Seafarers, OIF3 is the continuation of a patriotic duty that began with pre-war mobilizations for the all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Bosun Henry Peterson and the crew aboard the SNS Watkins understand the importance of getting the cargo to U.S. military forces in Iraq. Both Bosun Peterson and AB Greg Brunson have completed five full rotations on board the vessel and enjoy working with Captain Kleinschmidt, who, they say, is very “crew-focused and crew oriented.”
Peterson noted he is looking forward to the upcoming trip and is proud to play an important part in supporting the troops. Working with him in the deck department during the last voyage were Brunson, AB Zack Sullivan, AB Manuel Davis, AB Jesus H. Olbes, OS Nieves Nunez and OS Matthew Nunez. (Davis, who came aboard the LMSR program as an OS, has since upgraded at Piney Point and is now sailing as an AB.)
In preparation for the voyage, the steward department was kept very busy, according to Chief Steward Robert Ramirez. Ramirez, along with SA Jose Clotter and SA Justino Martinez and Chief Cook Alisha Prucnal keep the chow line stocked at all times for the crew, supercargo and security teams.
Rounding out the crew are members of the engine department: QMED/Electrician James Demouy, QMEDs Eldon Palmer, Keith Kowaleski and Lloyd Marsh and Wiper Christian Ladner.
Like most of the other LMSRs, the USNS Watkins is named after a Medal of Honor recipient. Army Master Sgt. Travis E. Watkins (1920-1950) was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his gallant leadership when an overwhelming enemy force broke through and isolated 30 men from his unit in Korea from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, 1950.
A non-combatant vessel, the USNS Watkins is the sixth in the Watson class of LMSRs. Its roll-on/roll-off design makes it ideal for transporting helicopters, tanks and other wheeled and tracked military vehicles as well as combat service support gear. The ship has approximately 390,000 square feet of cargo carrying space. The USNS Watkins is 950 feet in length, has a beam of 105.8 feet and displaces approximately 62,000 long tons. The gas turbine-powered ship is able to sustain speeds of up to 24 knots.
The photographs accompanying this article were taken by Capt. Michael F. Finnigan, an SIU hawsepiper. As captain aboard the USNS Pomeroy, Finnigan recently sent photos to the LOG from that vessel’s fifth trip in support of OIF (see October 2004 Seafarers LOG).
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