A U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser and a Military Sealift Command dry cargo ship collided Tuesday during an underway replenishment off the coast of Florida, the U.S. Navy has confirmed. The Navy said no personnel were injured when the USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) made contact. Both ships were able to safely operate after the incident. "The … [Read more...]
USNS Comfort Ordered To Colombia But The Future Remains Uncertain For The Hospital Ship
While visiting Colombia late last week, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis announced he was sending the hospital ship Comfort at the request of Colombia’s government. USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will deploy to Central America and South America in late September to begin a two-month humanitarian mission with stops in Colombia and the region. The USNS Comfort was … [Read more...]
A First Step In a True Cooperative Strategy on Sea Power
by Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D - There are many issues that impact the American maritime industry and the merchant marine, and trying to develop a comprehensive strategy is a daunting challenge. When one tries to get all the pieces to work together into one synergetic being, the littlest issue can sometimes take down the whole structure, á la Jenga. … [Read more...]
Military Sealift Command’s First Female Master Retiring After 36-Year Career
By Sarah Burford (Military Sealift Command Pacific) - On April 3, Military Sealift Command will bid “Fair Winds and Following Seas” to one of its most recognizable employees, Capt. Emigdia Esqueda, or Capt. Amy as most know her. A 36-year employee of MSC, Esqueda pioneered the way for female mariners and became a mentor and role model for many people who sailed with her. She is … [Read more...]
NASSCO Launches One Unsexy Ship
https://vimeo.com/251556899 On Saturday General Dynamics NASSCO christened the Expeditionary Sea Base USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams, a most unsexy but important US Navy ship. The ship’s namesake, Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, spoke at the ceremony. He is the last … [Read more...]