MSC Activates Ship Status Hotline

Military Sealift Command is now providing a toll free number that will provide information regarding MSC and government owned or chartered ship. Concerned family members of mariners can now check on a ship’s status and general location. Family members of mariners who dial (888) SEA-LIFT (732-5438) and press 2 will be put in contact with a MSC employee who can tell them in general terms where the ship is operating and its general status. “Our mariners’ families are part of the MSC family too,” said Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, commander of MSC. “We are proud to offer this information during these uncertain times.” This hotline was available during the first Persian Gulf War. Vice Adm. Brewer said he hopes that it can be used along with other forms of communication to keep family members informed. Military Sealift Command, the ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense, operates about 120 civilian-crewed, noncombatant active ships around the world. MSC ship missions vary from the transport and afloat prepositioning of defense cargo to underway replenishment and other direct support to Navy ships at sea and at-sea data collection for the U.S. military and other U.S. government agencies.