Military Sealift Command Marks 75 Years Supplying the U.S. Military

The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) celebrated its 75th anniversary on Tuesday, marking three-quarters of a century as the premier maritime logistics provider for the Department of Defense.

Since its inception on October 1, 1949, MSC has played a crucial role in every major conflict and challenge faced by the United States.

Originally established as the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), the organization was founded to streamline sea transportation for the Department of Defense. Rear Adm. William M. Callaghan spearheaded the initiative, creating a single managing agency for the DOD’s ocean transportation needs.

Throughout its history, MSC and its complement of civil service mariners (CIVMARs) have been at the forefront of major military operations. During the Korean War, just 11 days after North Korea’s invasion of South Korea, MSTS rapidly deployed the 24th Infantry Division from Japan to Pusan. The Vietnam War saw the organization renamed to Military Sealift Command, during which it transported massive quantities of combat equipment, supplies, and fuel.

MSC’s capabilities were further demonstrated during the first Persian Gulf War, distinguishing itself as the largest source of defense transportation out of any nation involved, delivering over 12 million tons of vehicles, equipment, and supplies. More recently, MSC was instrumental in supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan post-9/11.

The command’s evolution has been marked by adaptation to meet changing defense needs. In recent years, MSC has introduced new vessel classes, including an afloat forward staging base, expeditionary fast transports, expeditionary sea bases and transfer docks, and a sea-based radar platform. It is also focused on delivering emerging capabilities such as new connectors, unmanned aerial resupply and expeditionary munitions reload to better support distributed maritime logistics.

Military Sealift Command held a ceremony at its headquarters on Naval Station Norfolk to mark the anniversary.

“Our mariners and their teammates ashore remain steadfast and committed to delivering agile logistics, strategic sealift, and specialized missions anywhere in the world,” said MSC Commander, Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck. “So today, in recognition of those efforts, we celebrate our CIVMARs, past and present, and the civilians and service members who have supported them in helping MSC achieve 75 years of maritime excellence.”

As MSC moves forward, it continues to be an indispensable asset in the U.S. military’s global operations, ensuring the rapid and efficient deployment of forces and supplies wherever they are needed.

“Commemorating our history allows us to reflect on our past achievements, and our team can take great pride in having contributed to an impressive 75-year legacy,” Sobeck added. “And now we shift our attention from the past to future and look at where we need to go in the next 75 years to ensure MSC remains the premier maritime logistics provider for the Navy and our nation.”

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