U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command

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.

10/15/2026

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10/15/2026

This week’s Military Sealift Command “Ship in the Spotlight” features both USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) and USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), two Expeditionary Sea Base platforms making steady progress toward rejoining the Fleet for operational tasking.

Following the conclusion of their Force Generation Risk Reduction (FgRR) maintenance periods, both ships are moving forward after extended repair and maintenance availabilities that began in 2025. The work focused on improving material readiness, restoring critical systems, and preparing each vessel for future mission requirements. FgRR availabilities for Lewis B. Puller and Hershel “Woody” Williams concluded mid-October 2026.

As highly flexible mobile afloat sea bases, these ships support aviation operations, command and control, expeditionary mission support, Special Operations Forces, and maritime interdiction operations. The successful completion of these extended maintenance periods reflects the combined efforts of Civil Service Mariners, Military crews, maintenance teams, and industry partners.

Named for two distinguished U.S. Marine Corps leaders, USS Lewis B. Puller honors Lt. Gen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, the only Marine awarded five Navy Crosses, while USS Hershel “Woody” Williams honors retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, a Medal of Honor recipient for actions at Iwo Jima during World War II.

Military Sealift Command is proud of the progress made by both ships as they prepare to return to Fleet operational tasking. Bravo Zulu!

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

Today, Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, Commander, Military Sealift Command had the pleasure of being the guest speaker at the Richmond Navy League RVA during their Sea Services Luncheon.

He was able to share some of MSC's recent achievements and challenges ahead, and talked about the importance of partners like the Navy League who contribute in the support of our mariners and Sailors.

Its members send care packages to deployed crews, recognize our Sailors and recruiters, and invest in local JROTC units and the AMERICA Division Sea Cadets, the next generation of our maritime workforce.

Thank you to Council President Vaughan Dize and every member who made today possible. Fair winds and following seas.

10/13/2026

Happy 251st Birthday, Navy!

For more than two and a half centuries, our Navy has defended our nation, protected the freedom of the seas, and stood ready whenever and wherever our country has needed it most. And our Navy’s strength has always come from our people: Mariners, Sailors, Civilians, and of course our families, who make the mission possible.

Military Sealift Command is proud to be part of that legacy.

Today, MSC recognized the generations of Sailors, Mariners, Civilians, and families who laid the foundation for the Navy we serve today during a cake cutting ceremony.

10/13/2026

Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Navy!

For 251 years, the Navy has defended our nation and protected freedom of the seas. Military Sealift Command is proud to be part of that legacy, delivering global logistics, sustainment, and mission-critical support to the Fleet.

Join Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, Commander, Military Sealift Command, as MSC celebrates the Navy’s birthday and recognizes the Mariners, Sailors, and Civilians whose dedication keeps our Navy ready to answer the call.

We Enable Readiness. We Sustain the Fleet.

10/13/2026

Military Sealift Command time-chartered roll on/roll off ship MV Green Wave, under the operational control of Naval Sealift Transportation Command Pacific (NAVTRANSPAC), conducted the off-load of 947 pieces of Army equipment at the Port of Tacoma, Wash. The operation is part of MSC’s ongoing support to the United States Army Pacific.

U.S. Army Pacific routinely schedules and deploys forces on a rotational basis to the Republic of Korea. These deployments support U.S. strategic commitments to the ROK, regional partners and U.S. security obligations. The purpose for these deployments is to maintain a rotational process that cultivates Eighth Army’s readiness, supports U.S. long-term strategic objectives in the ROK and the region, and assures tailored flexibility for the future force structure in Korea. Exposing different units to the Korean theater of operations increases familiarity with the region and builds upon the partnerships between the two forces.

10/13/2026

Anthony Ompertab is back...

He returns to Military Sealift Command as a First Assistant Engineer following two years as a contract mariner. He originally began his MSC career over a decade ago, starting as a Third Assistant Engineer on the USNS Wally Schira.

Repaying in kind

Back in 2013, Anthony was mentored by Chief Engineer David Hurlburt, whom Anthony praises as an unmatched mentor for any new Civil Service Mariner (CIVMAR). Now, after gaining extensive experience across MSC’s dry cargo, am******on vessel, and expeditionary fast transport vessels (including the USNS Trenton, USNS Brunswick, and USNS Puerto Rico), Anthony is ready to pass the baton and mentor the next generation of Third Assistant Engineers.

As Anthony puts it: "MSC is a place where the work is steady and reliable. This next chapter is all about the mission and growing tomorrow's talent."

During his time off

Anthony’s passion for engineering doesn't stop at sea. Right now, he’s working on a personal project: modifying a 2021 Dodge Durango engine to hit a massive 1,000 horsepower! When he’s not turning wrenches, he and his wife love going on vacation cruises and spending time with their two Coton de Tulear dogs, Ethel and Albert.

We couldn't be happier to welcome him back to the fleet! His reliable energy, sharp expertise, and passion for mentoring others make him a perfect fit. Welcome back Anthony!!