Military Sealift Command, Central (COMSCCENT)
In January 1999, Vice Adm. James Perkins, USN, then commander of MSC, announced the interim establishment of MSC Central in support of Fifth Fleet. In September 1999, Rear Adm. Gordon Holder, USN, current commander of MSC, in coordination with Fifth Fleet, agreed to the permanent establishment of MSCCENT. MSCCENT has been established and stood up as the fifth MSC area command. MSCO Bahrain was disestablished, and those functions were integrated into MSCCENT. The MSCO commander billet became the MSCCENT chief staff officer.
COMSCCENT conducts Military Sealift Command operations in support of Commander, U.S. Central Command, its’ components, and when directed, DOD, DOS and other activities.
MAJOR AOR EXERCISES
- Native Fury - Combined naval training exercise with emphasis on coastal patrol, liaison and command relationships
- Unified Charger - COMSCEUR & SWA reserve activation training exercise, MSC reserve units stand up MSC Offices.
- Bright Star - CENTCOM biennial joint task force (JTF) exercise, emphasis on testing sealift capability.
- Crescent Dagger - SWA reserve activation exercise, similar to Unified Charger. This exercise is under development for FY00.
- Natural Fire - Joint training between CENTCOM and local African forces. Will also demonstrate humanitarian assistance / peacekeeping capabilities of U.S. forces. MSC reservists will assist 1 MEF in discharging MPS prepo equipment.
- Native Atlas - Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS) operation off Kuwait, involving CENTCOM forces.
