Military Sealift Command Oiler Wins SECNAV Environmental Award

From Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

Fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194)won the fiscal year 2006 Secretary of the Navy Environmental Quality Award in the Environmental Quality, Small Ship category. In ALNAV Message 029/07, released March 30, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment B.J. Penn extended his personal congratulations to the winners.

“Your accomplishments are outstanding in their own right and exemplify the Department of the Navy’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” Penn stated. Ericsson will compete in the Secretary of Defense Environmental awards later this year. “We are extremely pleased to be recognized for our environmental efforts,” said Capt. Robert T. Wiley, the ship’s civil service master.

The 678-ft. ship, currently operating out of Pearl Harbor and crewed by 81 civil service mariners and a military detachment of 23 Sailors, was cited for its crew’s work in preventing pollution; ensuring readiness in responding to environmental issues; conserving resources; and complying with environmental regulations. While the ship voluntarily met standards stricter than required by the Navy, it also ensured that each mariner received special training in environmental management; used environmentally friendly chemicals; and conducted monthly spill drills. As a result, in two years, Ericsson transferred almost 82 million gallons of fuel in 353 separate fuelings at sea without a significant mishap.

“Every mariner that reports aboard receives additional training on our environmental program, which is to prevent pollution, ensure response readiness, conserve resources and comply with regulatory requirements,” said Wiley.

The Secretary of the Navy Environmental awards program recognizes Navy and Marine Corps individuals, teams, ships and installations for exceptional environmental stewardship. Ericsson is one of 14 fleet replenishment oilers providing fuel to Navy combat ships and for aircraft aboard aircraft carriers. Military Sealift Command operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, chart ocean bottoms, conduct undersea surveillance, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, and move military equipment and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces.

Military Sealift Command Oiler Wins SECNAV Environmental Award