The U.S. Transportation Command recently posted the following news item. Two of the vessels mentioned in the article — the Stena Polaris (operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) and the Overseas Mykonos (Overseas Ship Management) — carry SIU crews.

The story begins after the last photo. All images are courtesy of USTRANSCOM.

Fueling the fight: Integration with commercial and allied vessels

Commercial oil tanker Overseas Mykonos provides fuel directly to the USS Abraham Lincoln in November 2024.

MSC-chartered Stena Polaris, moored at Toulon Naval Base, France, completes in-port refuel training with the French force supply vessel Jacques Chevallier in November 2024.

French force supply vessel Jacques Chevallier and Stena Polaris perform CONSOL operation at sea, on Christmas Eve 2024.

Crew from French force supply vessel Jacques Chevallier display holiday spirit while performing CONSOL operation at sea with MSC-chartered Stena Polaris, on Christmas Eve 2024.

Crew from MSC-chartered Stena Polaris display holiday spirit while performing CONSOL operation at sea with French force supply vessel Jacques Chevallier, on Christmas Eve 2024.

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — Commercial oil tanker Overseas Mykonos provided fuel directly to the USS Abraham Lincoln in November 2024, marking the first time since the Operation Desert Storm era a U.S. commercial vessel has provided fuel through consolidated cargo operations, or CONSOL, to a U.S. aircraft carrier.

Military Sealift Command (MSC) contracted the Overseas Mykonos to provide fuel to the Defense Department. During these operations, JP5 fuel was transferred between the two vessels, demonstrating another option to the standard fuel delivery process. Typically, a commercial vessel transfers fuel to MSC’s Combat Logistics Fleet, which then supports deployed units, such as a carrier strike group.

“Direct refueling with commercial tankers allows us to swiftly adapt to changing circumstances, and redirect forces without the constraints of limited fuel supplies,” said Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, MSC commander. “The extended range becomes particularly invaluable in scenarios where the proximity of friendly ports is limited or during prolonged missions where ships are far from logistical support.”

MSC reintroduced commercial tankers to fuel transfers in 2015 to reduce port visits.

“When we combine our capabilities with those of our allies and our commercial partners, we multiply options and flexibility to fuel the force,” said Air Force Col. John Barry, U.S. Transportation Command Global Bulk Fuels Division chief.

While the Overseas Mykonos was providing fuel to the USS Abraham Lincoln in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, MSC-chartered Stena Polaris moored at Toulon Naval Base, France, and completed in-port refuel training with the French force supply vessel Jacques Chevallier, demonstrating the value of being able to refuel vessels belonging to allies and partners.

“History has shown us time and again that allied success on the battlefield depends upon the strength of the industrial base and our relationships with the commercial sector,” said Army Lt. Gen. Jered Helwig, USTRANSCOM deputy commander. “Our close relationships with the fuels industry and our allies have been and continue to be integral to safeguarding national interests at home and abroad.”

On Christmas Eve, the French force supply vessel Jacques Chevallier and Stena Polaris performed the same CONSOL operation at sea, demonstrating a new capability for the French Navy and increased capacity among allied nations. 

“The changes to global bulk fuel delivery enhance resilience in a contested environment,” Barry said, “and improve how fuel is distributed, increasing deterrence and support during a crisis, while enhancing warfighting readiness. It has enabled critical efforts for multiple bulk fuel stakeholders and combatant commands in support of global operations.”

USTRANSCOM formally began its sixth unified command plan mission last year as the Defense Department’s single manager for global bulk fuel management and delivery. This new mission allows the command to provide advocacy for capabilities and resources to meet the energy needs of the joint force in competition and conflict.

About USTRANSCOM

USTRANSCOM oversees the deployment and sustainment of U.S. forces worldwide. Headquartered in Belleville, Illinois, USTRANSCOM transports by air, land, and sea to deliver national security, and is also entrusted with managing the global relocation of military members’ household goods and privately owned vehicles.

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