Military Sealift Command acquires 3 vessels

Military Sealift Command acquires 3 vessels    The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command has bought three Maritime Prepositioning Ships that had been under long-term charter to the command from Braintree II, III, and IV Maritime Corps. of Quincy, Mass.
   The ships were operated by the Braintree companies and American Overseas Marine Corp. The options to buy these ships were part of the original contracts, which were delivered to the command in 1985 and 1986.
   “PFC Dewayne T. Williams,” “1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez” and “1st Lt. Jack Lummus” are among 16 prepositioning ships used to support overseas Marine Corps operations.
   The Military Sealift Command said the Braintree companies received $70 million for each ship.
   The command will retain Braintree II, III, and IV Maritime Corps. and their operating company, American Overseas Marine Corp. They are responsible for the operation and maintenance of each ship, which includes providing crews. Each ship is operated by 29 civilian mariners.
   The Military Sealift Command operates more than 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed cargo ships to support overseas military operations.