Military Sealift Command boosts efforts for tsunami relief

Military Sealift Command boosts efforts for tsunami relief    The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command has increased its relief work in the tsunami-ravaged areas of South Asia.
   The command’s hospital ship “USNS Mercy” is scheduled to arrive in the area early next week. The ship, which has one of the nation’s largest trauma centers on board, was activated from reduced operating status in San Diego, Calif., Jan. 1 and underway five days later, the command said.
   Three maritime prepositioning ships, also operated by the Military Sealift Command, are in the tsunami-affected region, prepared to offer help. Two of the three ships are providing fresh water, clearing debris and distributing aid to the Maldives.
   Four command underway replenishment ships are supporting Operating Unified Assistance. This includes fast combat support ship “USNS Rainier,” which is providing underway replenishment of fuel, food and other supplies to the “USS Abraham Lincoln” carrier strike group, a major contributor to the relief efforts.
   Two combat stores ships, “USNS San Jose” and “USNS Concord,” are in the tsunami-affected area providing fuel, food and other supplies to several U.S. Navy ships in the region. “USNS Tippecanoe,” a fleet replenishment oiler, is replenishing Navy ships at sea to help them remain underway on their missions for extended periods.
   The Military Sealift Command’s 208-foot oceanographic survey ship, “USNS John McDonnell,” is operating near the disaster area and will conduct hydrographic surveys.
   Two command-chartered high-speed vessels have also been designated to help with relief efforts in South Asia. In addition to speed, these ships have a shallow draft, which makes them ideal for transit in coastal waters,” the command said.
   The Military Sealift Command operates about 140 cargo ships around the world. These vessels provide a range of logistics support to the U.S. naval fleet.