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Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force News

13 Dec 2021

Detyens Wins $21 Million MSC Overhaul Job

USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) (Photo: Leonard Adams / U.S. Navy)

Detyens Shipyards has been awarded a 118-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul/dry docking availability on the USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8).Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by May 15, 2022.The $21,604,117 firm-fixed-price contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $23,095,473. Contract funds in the amount of $21,604,117 are obligated in fiscal 2022 using working capital funds (Navy).This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the beta.sam.gov website…

09 Jan 2012

Military Sealift Command Reorganizes

The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command today announced an organization re-alignment designed to increase efficiency while maintaining effectiveness. MSC is implementing the plan to realign three core aspects of the Washington, D.C.,-based command's shore side operations: the roles of three of the command's Senior Executive Service personnel, the number and structure of programs that conduct the command's seagoing missions, and the reporting structure of several field activities. MSC is repositioning three of its key Senior Executive Service members to better manage this new program structure. One SES will be the program executive over MSC's government-operated ships…

14 Nov 2011

Newest MSC T-AKE-class Ship Christened

Myrlie Evers-Wilson, the widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers and ship sponsor of Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Medgar Evers, breaks the traditional bottle of champagne against the ship's hull during the ship's christening ceremony Nov. 12 at the General Dynamics NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego. Photo used with permission by Charlie Neuman, San Diego Union Tribune.

USNS Medgar Evers, the newest ship in the U.S. Navy's Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships operated by Military Sealift Command, was christened Nov. 12 during a morning ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. With the traditional words, "I christen you USNS Medgar Evers," Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of the ship's namesake, broke the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow of the ship. Evers was launched Oct. 29 and is scheduled for delivery to MSC in spring 2012.

19 Apr 2011

Navy’s USNS William McLean Launched

Photo courtesy U.S. Navy

USNS William McLean, the newest ship in the U.S. Navy's Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships, slid into the water for the first time April 16 during a nighttime launch and christening ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. With a blast from the ship’s horn, McLean’s sponsor, Margaret Taylor, niece of the ship’s namesake, broke the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow as a colorful fireworks display lit up the night sky. “I am honored to represent then 9…

28 Mar 2010

Change at the Helm, MSC Far East Command

Photo courtesy U.S. Navy

Navy Capt. Charles Denman speaks during a change of command ceremony March 26 in Singapore. Denman took command of Sealift Logistics Command, Far East from Navy Capt. Jim Romano who will move on to MSC headquarters in Washington, D.C. Military Sealift Command’s leadership in the Far East changed hands March 26 when Navy Capt. Charles C. “Chip” Denman relieved Navy Capt. Jim O. Romano as commander of Singapore-based Sealift Logistics Command, Far East. SEALOGFE, whose mission is to safely and efficiently operate MSC-controlled ships to provide services in support of U.S.

22 Dec 2009

Navy Retires USNS San Jose

Photo courtesy U.S. Navy

An SA-330 Puma helicopter lifts a load of stores from the Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS San Jose (T-AFS 7) during a vertical replenishment with an amphibious dock landing ship. (U.S. Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS San Jose marked the close of 39 years of service to the Navy fleet in a Dec. 18 shipboard ceremony in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The event paid tribute to the ship and the hundreds of sailors and civil service mariners who have served as its crew over the past three decades, ensuring that San Jose played its part in keeping the U.S.

11 Oct 2009

Navy Names Ship for Activist Medgar Evers

(U.S. Navy Illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jay Chu)

The Navy announced Oct. 9 the newest Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ship (T-AKE) would be named USNS Medgar Evers. The announcement was made by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus during a Jackson State University speaking engagement in Mississippi. Continuing the Lewis and Clark-class tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers, the Navy's newest underway replenishment ship recognizes civil rights activist Medgar Evers (1925-1963) who forever changed race relations in America.

06 Mar 2009

Navy to Christen USNS Wally Schirra

The Navy will launch and christen dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra, March 8, 2009, during a 7 a.m. PDT ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif. Continuing the Lewis and Clark-class (T-AKE) tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers, the Navy's newest underway replenishment ship recognizes Walter "Wally" Schirra Jr., a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Navy test pilot who served in both World War II and the Korean War. On Oct. 3, 1962, Schirra became the fifth American in space and is honored as one of the original seven Mercury astronauts. He holds the distinction of being the only astronaut to fly in each of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs. Schirra officially retired from the Navy and NASA in 1969.

04 Dec 2008

Navy Ships Named for American Pioneers

Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter announced the names of four new Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ships (T-AKE) as Matthew Perry, Charles Drew, Washington Chambers and William McLean. All of the Lewis and Clark ships are named in honor of American explorers and pioneers and are being built by General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif. The selection of Matthew Perry, designated T-AKE 9, honors Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry (1794-1858), who led a squadron of ships to Japan in 1853 with the aim of opening that nation to trade. He served during the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War, and was sent to suppress piracy and the slave trade in the West Indies. The selection of Charles Drew, designated T-AKE 10, honors Dr. Charles R.

16 Sep 2008

Navy to Christen USNS Carl Brashear

The Navy will launch and christen dry cargo/ammunition ship the USNS Carl Brashear on Sept. 18. The christening ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) class of underway replenishment ships will be held at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in . Designated as T-AKE 7, the new ship honors Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear (1931-2006), who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. He was a pioneer in the Navy as one of the first African-Americans to graduate from the and was designated a Navy salvage diver. He was the first African-American to qualify and serve as a master diver while on active duty and the first U.S. Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee, the result of a leg injury he sustained during a salvage operation.

20 Aug 2008

USNS Lewis and Clark Wins Safety Award

Military Sealift Command’s dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark won the 2008 Department of the Navy safety excellence award in the Military Sealift Command category, Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced yesterday. The 689-ft. ship is currently operating out of Norfolk, Va., and is crewed by 124 civil service mariners and a small military detachment of 11 active-duty Navy sailors. Lewis and Clark’s crew was recognized for developing new operational procedures…

05 Mar 2008

Two New Auxiliary Dry Cargo Ships Named

Secretary of the Navy Dr. Donald C. Winter announced the naming of the seventh and eighth Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ships (T-AKE) as Carl Brashear and Wally Schirra. The T-AKEs are owned and operated by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command. The selection of Carl Brashear, designated T-AKE 7, honors Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear, who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. He was a pioneer in the Navy as the first black deep-sea diver, the first black master diver and the first U.S. Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee, the result of a leg injury he sustained during a salvage operation. After 31 years of service, Brashear officially retired from the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1979.

07 Feb 2008

Navy to Christen Robert E. Peary

The Navy will christen the USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE-5) at an 11 a.m. PST ceremony on Feb. The christening ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships will be held at General Dynamics NASSCO, San Diego. The new ship honors Rear Adm. Robert Edwin Peary, (1856-1920), an American explorer born in Cresson, Pa., who is credited as the first person to reach the geographic North Pole. Peary was commissioned a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Oct. 26, 1881, and achieved the rank of rear admiral. He was recognized by Congress with a special act on March 30, 1911. Vice Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Peary S.

23 May 2005

Navy Christens USNS Lewis and Clark

SAN DIEGO, Calif. during an 8:00 p.m. (NASSCO), San Diego. adventure stories. California, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. from the families of Capt. Meriwether Lewis and then-Lt. Lewis Sale Henley and Lisa Clark, will serve as sponsors of the ship. service lives. helicopters and associated aviation personnel. providing replenishment services to U.S. forward presence. supply either in port or at sea from specially equipped merchant ships. station ships and other naval warfare forces at sea. The U.S. Clark as part of it's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force. and displaces approximately 41,000 tons. diesel-electric propulsion system, the ship can reach a speed of 20 knots.

15 May 2007

USNS Shasta Rescues Five After Fire Strikes Cargo Ship

Civil service mariners aboard Military Sealift Command ammunition ship USNS Shasta (T-AE 33) rescued all crew members aboard a disabled commercial cargo ship May 12 in the Western Pacific near Saipan. Just after sunset, Shasta received a request from the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet Battle Watch Center to assist the ill-fated MV Haurosi, which reported a major engine room fire. Traveling at full-speed, Shasta made the 90-mile voyage to Haurosi’s location in just over four hours, using the transit time to prepare the flight deck for helicopter operations and ready Shasta’s towing and firefighting equipment. “As we approached, we could see the crew on deck waving flashlights,” said Capt. R.J. Bellfi, Shasta’s civil service master. After refueling a U.S.

15 May 2007

Navy to Christen USNS Richard E. Byrd

The Navy will christen the USNS Richard E. Byrd on May 15. The launching ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships will be held at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego. The ship honors Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957), an explorer famous for his Antarctic expeditions and for leading the first expedition to fly over the North Pole. Like the legendary explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, for whom the first ship of the class was named, Byrd bravely volunteered to explore one of the most remote and harshest places on earth. Due to his unquenchable thirst for exploration, he provided substantial contributions to the world's understanding of the Antarctic. Following his graduation from the U.S.

10 Jan 2007

BAE Systems to Overhaul Sealift Command Ship

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command to overhaul and drydock the USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195). The cumulative value of the contract could reach nearly $8 million if all options are exercised. The work will take place at BAE Systems Ship Repair in Norfolk and is expected to be completed by March 2007. As part of the 60-day overhaul package, BAE Systems' work will focus on inspection of oil tanks and spaces, engine room repairs and refurbishment, underwater hull cleaning and preservation, as well as installation and replacement of various devices aboard the vessel. In addition to its surface combatant work in 2006…

11 Dec 2006

Navy Christens USNS Alan Shepard

Military Sealift Command (MSC) advanced auxiliary dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) slides backwards into San Diego Bay during a christening ceremony held at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). The Shepard is the third Lewis and Clark class supply ship to be launched and is scheduled to join the fleet next summer. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick M. The Navy christened USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships Dec. 6, during a launching at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), San Diego. The ship honors the first American in space, Rear Adm. Alan B. Shepard Jr.

11 Oct 1999

MSC Marks 50 Years Of Service

"MSC has been conspicuous because its people and ships generally have been where the action has been." Rear Adm. Rear Adm. Keener made this observation on the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command's 30th anniversary in October 1979. His words still hold true 20 years later as MSC, the ocean transportation specialists for the Department of Defense, celebrates its 50th anniversary. Today, MSC operates about 120 ships worldwide with 100 more ships in reserve status. What sets MSC ships apart from other Navy ships is all MSC ships are crewed by civil service or contract merchant mariners instead of active duty Navy people. Using civilian crews frees active duty Navy personnel for more traditional war-fighting assignments. MSC ships wear many hats for DOD.

24 May 2006

BAE Systems Wins Contract for Work on USNS Bridge

BAE Systems announced the award of a $3.8m contract to its San Diego shipyard by Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC). The contract for the USNS BRIDGE (T-AOE 10) Mid-Term Availability (MTA) is scheduled to be performed this summer. If all options are exercised by MSFSC, the contract could exceed $4.8 million. The 754-foot long USNS BRIDGE, one of four Fast Combat Support Ships, carries a crew of 160 civilians and 28 Sailors. These support ships are Military Sealift Command's largest combat logistics vessels and are part of the 36-ship Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force. The ships carry oil, ammunition and dry and refrigerated stores and are capable of rapidly replenishing Navy carrier strike groups.

25 Aug 2005

Guam Shipyard Awarded Navy Contract

Guam Shipyard, Santa Rita, Guam, is being awarded a $5,200,592 firm-fixed-price for the regular overhaul of USNS Concord (T-AFS 5). USNS Concord (T-AFS 5) is a Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force ship owned and operated by Military Sealift Command. This contract contains options which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to $7,046,851. Work will be performed in Santa Rita, Guam, and is expected to be completed by November 2005. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole source procurement. The U.S. Navy's Sealift Logistics Command Far East is the contracting activity (N62404-05-C-0014).

15 Feb 2006

Keel-Laying of Third T-AKE Ship

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Carol M. Pottenger, Commander, Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, was the honoree for the keel-laying event, welding her initials into the keel of the T-AKE 3, the USNS Alan Shepard. With her are Dave Morton, Program Manager, Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force Program (L) and Art Diaz, MSC Ship Construction Senior Owners Representative. General Dynamics NASSCO on February 14, 2006, held the keel-laying ceremony for USNS Alan Shepard, the third ship in the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program. Designated the Lewis and Clark class, the new T-AKE ships fulfill combat logistics force requirements. The keel-laying ceremony is a NASSCO tradition, signifying an important milestone as a new ship begins to take shape on the company’s building ways.

22 Jun 2006

Navy to Christen USNS Sacagawea

The Navy will christen USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2), the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships, June 24 during a launching at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego. The name Sacagawea will honor the Lemhi Shoshone woman who acted as guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark expedition into the Northwest region of the United States. This well-documented expedition over two years and 6,000 miles opened routes to vast new territories throughout the American West, which allowed passage for American settlers and traders. Legendary for her perseverance and resourcefulness, Sacagawea (1788-1812) provided invaluable assistance to the explorers through her knowledge of topography and edible roots and plants previously unknown to European-Americans.