MSC Ship Wins Environmental Award
The Secretary of the Navy announced March 26 that Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge is the winner of the fiscal year 2008 SECNAV Environmental Quality Award in the small ship category. Bridge is one of MSC’s four fast combat support ships that replenish Navy ships at sea with fuel, ammunition, food and other cargo. The 754 ft ship, which has a crew of 170 civil service mariners and currently operates out of San Diego, was cited for the crew’s work in preventing pollution, ensuring readiness in responding to environmental issues, conserving resources and complying with environmental regulations. Bridge advanced to the Secretary of the Navy competition after it was named as one of the Chief of Naval Operations quality small ship award winners in February.
USNS Bridge Joins MSC Fleet
USS Bridge became the last of four U.S. Navy Supply-class fast combat support ships to leave commissioned service for an even more active role with the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command at a formal transfer ceremony June 24. Now known as United States Naval Ship Bridge, she joins more than 30 civilian-crewed ships providing combat logistics services to the Navy fleets worldwide. USNS Bridge, which as a Navy ship was crewed by a complement of 544 active-duty Sailors, will now have a civilian crew of 160 mariners.
USNS Bridge Completes UNREPS with 9 Ships in Persian Gulf
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Cassatt, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) conducted underway replenishments with nine U.S. ships June 1-3 in the Persian Gulf. More than 865,000 gallons of jet fuel, 2.3 million gallons of diesel fuel, 560 pallets of food, ammunition and stores were transferred over the three-day period. It was an undertaking that didn’t intimidate the crew of Bridge in the slightest. "This is what we come out here for," said Chief Mate Tom Giudice, Bridge’s executive officer. For Bridge's civilian crew, taking on the challenge of keeping the ships supplied is how they contribute to maritime operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).
