Cornhusker State became the 36th Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ship to join Operation Enduring Freedom, with four more RRF ships on long-term activation.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD)’s activation of Cornhusker State will support Operation Enduring Freedom. The activation follows orders received from the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, and will mark the second time this ship has been activated in support of the war on terrorism.
The Cornhusker State was first activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom shortly after it began, at the end of October 2001. The ship and crew served six months without relief in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, returning to Newport News and receiving the Professional Ship Award from Secretary Mineta in November.