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USNS Shasta Visits NAVSTA Everett

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061220-11
Release Date: 12/20/2006 12:55:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jon J. Baker, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Detachment Northwest

EVERETT, Wash (NNS) -- The ammunition ship USNS Shasta (T-AE 33) departed from Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett Dec. 18 after enjoying a rare opportunity to pull pierside for a 16-day port visit.

While assigned to NAVSTA, the Military Sealift Command supply ship rarely has the opportunity to use its services.

“We are able to take advantage of the facilities here to conduct some repairs,” said Rollin J. Bellfi, Shasta’s master. “There is an advantage here at NAVSTA because of the close proximity to some of the industrial assist facilities.”

The ship is one of Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force’s five ammunition ships and recently returned from 3rd Fleet area of operations. According to Bellfi, their primary mission there was support of 3rd fleet operations and materiel transport from the West Coast to forward logistic support naval magazines.

“We want to give our customers the logistic support that they need and get out of the way,” said Bellfi.

The ship’s crew, 124 federal service employees and six active Navy Sailors, had the opportunity to enjoy NAVSTA and the surrounding area.

“The crew really enjoyed being here,” said Chief Mate Sheila Maude. “Facilities are so close and it is just a five-minute drive into town and I was able to go snow boarding.”

With only six military onboard, Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Tim Benford used the close proximity to other Navy ships in port for training his Sailors.

“It allows me to send my guys over for help with enlisted surface warfare and see how other work centers are set up,” said Benford.

“We have had a very productive repair period for the ship over the last 16 days,” said Bellfi. “We are getting ready to wrap that up and start back up on our logistic support mission.”