U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command

10/23/2026

Bridging the Gap: New Civilians Tour Navy Hospital Ship

This week, Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) newest Civilians stepped away from their desks to visit the Navy’s hospital ship, USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), at Naval Station Norfolk, to engage with the very crew they support every day.

There is a huge difference between understanding a job on paper and seeing it in action. By visiting the ship and speaking directly with the crew, our new Civilians, also known as CIVPERS, gained firsthand insight into the daily operations, unique challenges, and real-world impact of their office work.

“The behind-the-scenes work of CIVPERs is quite critical as they provide the essential infrastructure, administration, and logistics that enable MSC’s fleet and Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARs) to operate globally, 365 days a year,” said Steven Cole of MSC’s Ashore Training Administration Division. “Connecting our shore-based teams with our Mariners ensures we aren't just processing tasks. We are actively supporting the people who keep us moving forward.”

Collectively, our new CIVPERs praised the exceptionally well-organized visit, highlighting seamless shuttle logistics, structured timing, and the high-priority placed on the tour. They also commended the top-tier, professional service of leadership and the crew—including Captain Grace Key, First Officer Brian Carroll, Organizer Steve Cole, and guide HM2 Delapena.

The Subject Matter Experts (Navy Sailors and Mariners), leading the walkthrough were highly knowledgeable, polite, and deeply passionate. “Ultimately, the visit successfully bridged the gap between the fleet and headquarters, giving MSC’s newest Civilians a profound understanding of how to better support the mission," Cole said.

Thank you to the Comfort crew for the warm welcome and for demonstrating true collaboration.

10/23/2026

MSC Commander Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson recently joined the crew of USS Constitution as the guest speaker for the ship’s 229th birthday underway celebration. Happy birthday "Old Ironsides!"

10/22/2026

Congratulations to this week's Military Sealift Command "Ship in the Spotlight," USNS Montford Point (T-ESD 1).

On Oct. 13, the expeditionary transfer dock vessel participated in a multi-service interoperability Maritime Security Response Team East (MSRT-East) training exercise with the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Marine Corps’ 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and other regional port partners from the Hampton Roads area.

The 785-foot vessel provided an ideal platform for rehearsing complex fast-roping helicopter insertions, high-speed tactical boat delivery, and vertical boarding procedures.

This type of training strengthens Navy-Coast Guard-Marine Corps integration and gives mariners and service members firsthand exposure to each partner's unique expertise, culture, and operations.

“It closely mirrors the realities of a maritime emergency, helping to train people to manage the intense psychological stress of a live crisis,” shared Ship Master, Capt. Joshua Jordan.

10/22/2026

Check out this treasure at the end of the rainbow! Our very own Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8 ).

📷 by MC2 Timothy Dimal

Views? Stunning. Delivery? Incoming. 📦

While there is no pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, there is USNS Wally Schirra (TAKE-8), from U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, prepped and ready to deliver fuel and supplies to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89). 🇺🇸

Whether providing fuel, supplies, or strategic sealift support, the efforts of Military Sealift Command are instrumental to ensure the effectiveness of our joint warfighters operating around the world. ⚓️

📸: MC2 Timothy Dimal

U.S. 7th Fleet | Surface Warriors | U.S. Pacific Fleet

10/21/2026

Sustaining the fleet 💪

10/20/2026

With growth comes change, and Military Sealift Command is proud to debut two newly designed command seals for MSC and Naval Sealift Transportation Command!

The updated seals are a symbol of the command’s commitment to embracing its ever-expanding mission and organizational development, while serving to better reflect the unique missions the commands represent.

To read more and view both seals, visit: https://dvidshub.net/r/ndj2n6

NORFOLK, Va. - With growth comes change, and Military Sealift Command (MSC) and Naval Sealift Transportation Command (NAVTRANSCOM) are showcasing their continuous evolution by unveiling two new command seals.

10/19/2026

SAY HELLO TO MSC’s NEWEST CIVMAR

Military Sealift Command (MSC) welcomes its newest crew member, Civil Service Mariner Travis Richardson, who joins the Deck Department as an Able Seaman. In this vital role, Travis will help ensure our vessels remain mission-capable and operate at peak performance.

Travis brings five years of experience as a Navy Aviation Ordnanceman (AO). His background, handling aviation weapons, leading underway replenishments, and managing line-handling operations, gives him a strong foundation for heavy deck work in challenging maritime environments. He also brings commercial experience from his time with Lindblad Expeditions.

“Since leaving the Navy, I’ve always wanted to be a CIVMAR with MSC,” Travis shared. “I wanted meaningful work where I could continue to serve my country and see the world. MSC offers exactly that—a stable organization with consistent work.”

Driven by a strong work ethic, Travis is eager to learn from his new shipmates and contribute to the team. His long-term goal is to work hard, dedicate himself to the mission, and eventually advance to Third Mate.

Welcome aboard Travis!

10/18/2026

10/16/2026

Capt. Brice Behringer, Ship's Master, USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13), hosted U.S. Embassy Montenegro Charge d’Affairs Michael Keays and staff, to visit and tour the ship while in Port of Bar, Montenegro, Oct. 9, 2026.

During the visit, guests were able to tour the general spaces of the ship and hear about the mission capabilities Medgar Evers is equipped with.

The port visit amplifies the importance of our NATO allies, and even the smallest allies like Montenegro, fit into the larger NATO maritime ecosystem and can contribute to the Alliance's collective readiness, resilience and ability to sustain forces forward.

10/16/2026

This week’s highlights New York resident Jonathan Bruce, a Chief Mate aboard USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5)

Are you a maritime graduate? If yes, where did you study, what was your degree in and what year did you graduate?

Yes, I graduated from SUNY Maritime College in January 2016 with a bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture and my third mate's license, ready to start earning my place in the fleet.

What year did you join MSC, and what’s unique about serving aboard an MSC vessel?

I joined MSC in May 2016, after applying at a career fair in October 2015. Since then, I've served aboard nine ships.

What's unique about sailing with MSC is the responsibility you're handed the moment you walk aboard. You're supporting the U.S. Navy, you're held to a high standard, and it's on you to get the mission done.

The world travel is incredible. I've been to almost every continent and ocean, except Antarctica and South America, sailing across every fleet in the Navy. Beyond the adventure, the pay and benefits are second to none.

As Chief Mate what are your roles and responsibilities?

I serve as second-in-command, prioritizing the mission above all, ensuring it is executed efficiently and safely. I am directly accountable to the Captain for the vessel's management, operation, safety, and force protection, as well as aviation, cargo, navigation, and damage control. While I maintain high standards across all areas, my primary focus is training the crew and trusting them to lead. I delegate responsibilities because they are the ones on the deck plates getting the job done daily. By building their knowledge and giving them ownership, we successfully accomplish our taskings. This empowers every crew member to feel like a vital part of the team while preparing them for promotion into higher roles.

What’s it like being in a leadership role aboard USNS Robert E. Peary?

I'm very proud to serve in a leadership position aboard USNS Robert E. Peary. I originally set out to join the Navy to serve my country, but I found my path to service through MSC instead. To me, leadership in this role isn't about being out front. That's the navigators and cargo mates, the ones with their boots on the ground getting the mission done. I see myself more as the glue that holds the ship together, making sure departments work together, people have what they need, and standards are met, assisting wherever I'm needed.

One of my proudest moments follows days of exhausting replenishment operations. Watching the last ship break away to their chosen command song—like Kenny Loggins' Danger Zone—brings an incredible sense of accomplishment. In that moment, I know my crew and I have successfully sustained the fleet so they can continue to project power. It is proof that our training and discipline pay off.

I am equally proud of watching my crew grow. I love bringing on people straight off the street who don't have any sailing experience, training them, and watching them become true Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARs) who contribute to the team and the mission. I've sailed with Supply Utilitymen (SUs) who have gone on to become Able Seamen (ABs), Ordinary Seamen (OSs) who are now Boatswain's Mates (BMs), and ABs who are now Second Mates—each earning it through hard work. Helping train and advance our people, knowing I had a part in preparing the next generation of mariners, is incredibly rewarding.

What is the best thing about being a CIVMAR?

The best thing about being a CIVMAR, to me, is that I get to serve my country and take on demanding work in support of the Navy without enlisting into the military and committing myself to a set term of service. I also love traveling. A lot of my friends who work in the commercial sector pull into port and are in and out in a matter of hours, or maybe a day, and never get time to explore. With MSC, we often spend a couple of days in port, so after work we get to go out and experience the places we visit instead of just passing through.

What would you tell someone interested in serving aboard an MSC vessel?

If you're ready to change your lifestyle and leave the daily grind behind, join MSC. Come ready to work and take on responsibility because advancement here is based entirely on performance. Best case scenario? You build a lifelong career. Worst case? You do a hitch or two, decide sailing isn't for you, and walk away. Even then, you'll leave with good money, global travel experience, federal service on your resume, and the best training in the industry. Your upgraded license will open concrete doors for whatever comes next.

What’s next for you?

My immediate goal is to earn my Master's License, a milestone I am just months away from achieving. It has always been a dream of mine to command a Fast Combat Support ship as Ship Master. Operating these ships demands navigating a demanding operational tempo, managing open berthing, and leading a large crew. Remarkably, while designed for 600 Navy Sailors, we efficiently operate the vessel with just 150 CIVMARs.

Because these older systems require manual operation without modern automation, mastery demands an intimate, fundamental understanding of the vessel’s capabilities. Successfully serving as Master here proves one can command anywhere in the maritime industry. Beyond that, I'd like to make a larger impact in accomplishing the Navy's mission and goals, working at the intersection of technology and personnel, adapting to new technology while holding on to the fundamentals of good leadership and training to build a more lethal and effective force.