Several military officials, including Vice Adm. Joseph P. Aucoin, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, attended a tour of the offshore petroleum distribution system USNS Vadm K.R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001) during exercise Ssang Yong 16, here, March 17.

The tour also included Rear Adm. John B. Nowell, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Task Force 76; U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. John Jansen, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade; and Navy Capt. Robert Rochford, commodore, Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3.

Before the tour, Wheeler also performed a demonstration of its "blow the nose" procedure, which involved pipes aft of the ship extinguishing water. The hose can used to transfer water to other ships or to land-based containers.

"They hook up a tanker to the ship and the water is pumped through the Bow Discharge Unit," said Rochford, of the procedure. "They demonstrated the volume of water they can send through the pipes to be transferred. It's unique for ships to have that capability and it's what makes the Wheeler stand out."

The vessel holds one million gallons of its own fuel, which would enable the ship to be able to go around the world 1.5 times without having to refuel. Wheeler creates its own water, making up to 60 tons of water a day. The ship can also transfer fuel from a tanker to depots ashore from up to eight miles off the coast.

"I think everyone was very interested to come see this Offshore Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS)," said Rochford. "Being able to see the capabilities the ship can bring to the table is critical. The Wheeler is unique to the fleet, she's a strategic asset and nothing else can take her place."

Wheeler is one of five ships assigned to Pacific-based MPSRON-3. USNS Montford Point (T-ESD 1), Wheeler, USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham (T-AK 3017), USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams (T-AK 3009) and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) are also participating in this year's Freedom Banner and Ssang Yong exercises. The event, the largest multilateral amphibious exercise to date, promises valuable training for all involved.

MPSRON 3, operating in the Western Pacific, maintains tactical control of the 12 ships carrying afloat prepositioned U.S. military cargo for the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force. The squadron's mission is to enable force from the sea by providing swift and effective transportation of vital equipment and supplies for designated operations.

For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/.