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MPS: Powerful addition to force in readiness

ABOARD THE M/V SGT. WILLIAM R. BUTTON(August 16, 2002) -- The Marine Corps is often referred to as a force of readiness. However, all the best-trained Marines in the Corps would not be enough to fight a war if they did not have the gear - when and where they need it.
That is where the maritime pre-positioning force, comes in.

Maritime pre-positioning ships, are designed to pre-stage Marine Corps equipment and supplies near areas of potential conflict.

The mission of the MPF is to support the rapid deployment of a Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force, by delivering combat and logistics vehicles, fuel, ammunition, food and supplies where needed.

Merchant marines and civilian employees, along with Navy personnel, run the ships under the guidance of the American Overseas Marine Corporation, which owns and operates the ships. Although the crews of the ships are not Marines, they take pride in supporting the Corps.

"We have a lot of pride knowing we support the Marine Corps," said Mike Mahoney, captain of the M/V Sgt. William S. Button, MPS Squadron Three, and Tampa, Fla., native. "We are constantly working closely with Marines, and we have nothing but respect for what they do."

The MPS vessels are constantly underway in strategic areas. They supported such real-world contingencies as Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. They also take part in annual Marine Corps exercises such as Cobra Gold in Thailand.

"These ships play a huge role in force readiness," said Chief Gunner's Mate Al Chambers, weapons force protection trainer, M/V Sgt. William R. Button, MPS Squadron Three. "The fact we are constantly underway in areas of potential conflict saves valuable readiness time and money."

Playing such a role in the readiness of the Marine Corps, the ships need a dedicated crew to make sure the ships live up to their expectations.

"Even though we (the crew) are not in the military, it feels great to represent our country in the manner we do," said George J. Borromeo, chief steward/cook, M/V William R. Button, MPS Squadron Three.

Not only does the crew regularly conduct military training, but they also work hard to make Marines feel at home when they are on board.

"When they come on board they get to see our way of life," said Borromeo, a Red Hook, N.Y., native. "We like to make people who have never been here to feel like it's home. It's our way of saying 'thank you' for their dedication."

The MPS vessels contain surge-berthing areas able to accommodate nearly 100 Marines. However, the defining characteristic of these ships is the cargo. The three ships within MPS Squadron Three contain enough equipment to sustain over 17,000 Marines and Sailors for 30 days.

The list of MAGTF equipment carried by the ships includes 5-ton trucks, amphibious assault vehicles, light armored vehicles, tanks, utility vehicles and ambulances. The ships also carry weapons, ammunition and medical supplies.

The four MPS ships from Squadron Three are named for Medal of Honor recipients 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (flagship), Sgt. William R. Button (alternate), 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, and Pfc. Dewayne T. Williams.

Always ready for the job, the crewmembers make the MPS vessels exactly what they are supposed to be, an integral role in the Marine Corps' operational power and force readiness.

"We're here for the Marines," Mahoney said. "From generals to privates, Marines know these ships are here to support them. That's the way we like it."