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USNS Arctic Deploys with Harry S. Truman CSG

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041015-13
Release Date: 10/15/2004 5:27:00 PM

From Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) deployed with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group Oct. 13 for a six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

Crewed by 160 civil service mariners and 60 embarked Sailors, the 754-foot Arctic is one of more than 30 civilian-crewed MSC ships that provide at-sea logistic support to deployed U.S. Navy ships. Ships like Arctic enable Navy combatant ships to remain at sea, on station and combat-ready for extended periods of time.

Nearly 7,600 Sailors left Norfolk, Va., aboard U.S. Navy ships including aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman, guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) and guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87). The fast-attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) is also under way as part of the carrier strike group.

Arctic will provide food, fuel, supplies and ammunition to the carrier strike group throughout its deployment. With a top speed of 25 knots, Arctic is ideal for re-supplying Navy ships at sea. Additionally, two on-board Navy MH-60 Knight Hawk helicopters will provide vertical replenishment.

"Last year, Arctic deployed with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Carrier Strike Group and has supported USS George Washington (CVN 73) and her escorts, as well as various amphibious ships, including USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS Kearsage (LHD 3)," said Capt. Randall H. Rockwood, Arctic's master. "We are proud to be able to supply the U.S. military with much-needed food, fuel and ammunition, sustaining U.S. forces wherever they may be."

MSC operates more than 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish Navy ships at sea, chart ocean bottoms, conduct undersea surveillance, strategically pre-position combat cargo at sea around the world, and move 95 percent of military equipment and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces.