The Military Sealift Command (MSC) expeditionary mobile base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) arrived in Cape Town, South Africa for a scheduled port visit April 4, 2025.

Puller’s transit continues its forward deployment in support of maritime security. This port visit allowed Puller’s crew an opportunity to resupply fuel and food.

"Important port cities like Cape Town are critical to maritime security," the ship's Commanding Officer Capt. Raul Acevedo said. "'Stops like this showcase our dedication to our South African counterparts as we work on issues of mutual interest within the region."

The ESB class is a highly flexible platform that may be used across a broad range of military operations. Acting as a mobile sea base, they are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to support missions assigned.

Commissioned during a ceremony at Khalifa bin Salman Port in Al Hidd, Bahrain, Aug. 17, 2017, Puller is the first-of-class expeditionary sea base and first U.S. ship to be commissioned outside of the United States.

The U.S. shares a common interest with African partner nations in ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation in the waters surrounding the continent," Consul General Allison Areias said. "Both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are critical for African and global prosperity."

The ship is comprised of a blended crew of civilian mariners and U.S. Navy Sailors and is capable of executing additional missions including counter-piracy and humanitarian and disaster relief and works with a variety of rotary wing aircraft.

Military Sealift Command directs and supports operations for approximately 140 civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea, conduct specialized missions, preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, perform a variety of support services, and move military equipment and supplies to deployed U.S. forces.

Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.