USNS Supply Vessel Crew Awarded Navy Unit Commendation For Their Key Role In Red Sea Operations

The crew of the U.S. Navy division Military Sealift Command’s fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) has been honoured with the Navy Unit Commendation Award for their outstanding performance while deployed with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group from October 2023 to May 2024.

The award was presented during a ceremony on the ship’s flight deck on September 04, 2024.

During the vessel’s eight-month deployment, USNS Supply was crucial in supporting the ongoing operations as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian and carrier strike group self-defense measures against Houthi forces in the Red Sea.

The ship’s crew sailed over 50,000 miles across the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet’s operational areas, completing 143 underway replenishments with U.S. Navy and coalition vessels from Canada, Denmark, Great Britain, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.

During the operation, they transferred over 87 million gallons of fuel and nearly 15,000 pallets of crucial cargo and supplies.

Captain Pete Lenardson, Master of the USNS Supply Ship, stated that the eight-month deployment should clear any doubts about their commitment to the Navy, the carrier strike group, and MSC’s ability to conduct sustained underway replenishments in challenging conditions.

Rear Admiral Philip Sobeck, Commander of the Military Sealift Command (MSC), praised the crew’s dedication and the positive impact that their service had on MSC’s reputation as the leading maritime logistics supplier to the US Navy. He highlighted the rare circumstances of operating in such an environment, comparing it to the difficulties encountered during World War II, and applauded each crew member’s role, from the bridge to the keel, in making a difference every day.

Apart from their remarkable accomplishments in logistics, Supply’s Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARS) also acted as goodwill representatives by taking part in 28 visits aimed at fostering relationships in Saudi Arabia, Greece, Spain, Italy, and the UAE.

MSC Atlantic Commander, Capt. James Murdock praised the crew’s exceptional seamanship and professionalism, stating that they are the reason that MSC’s Combat Logistic Fleet continues to uphold its 75-year reputation as the supply line for continuous operations at sea.

Additionally, USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196), USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6), and USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) received the Navy Unit Commendation Award for their contributions to the mission. Fifteen crew members received individual awards for their remarkable accomplishments.

The Military Sealift Command will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2024. It manages operations for about 140 civilian-crewed ships, provides essential logistics, transports military supplies, and supports various U.S. Navy and coalition missions globally.

Reference: DVIDS

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