The civil service mariners who crew Military Sealift Command's newest expeditionary fast transport ship, USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9), hosted citizens from Bismarck, North Dakota to an extensive visit on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, April 7.

The event was part of the USNS City of Bismarck Committee's trip to Hampton Roads, Virginia to learn more about their city's namesake ship, meet the civil service mariners who sail the vessel, to learn more about Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Navy in general.

"As the Chief of Staff of Military Sealift Command and as a former commander of several surface ships, having ship sponsors and affinity groups connect with our ships is important for the morale of the crew and helps the American people bond with their Navy," said Capt. John Carter Military Sealift Command's chief of staff.

Early Saturday morning, the group of approximately 70 Bismarck natives embarked on USNS City of Bismarck. While aboard they received detailed tours from the ship's crew of the bridge, engine room, and mission bay. The crew also provided comprehensive information about the ship's damage control capabilities and the protective gear used by civil service mariners should the vessel suffer a fire or flooding.

"It has been a pleasure getting to know the members of the USNS City of Bismarck Committee and it was an honor to have them aboard," said Capt. James Regan, USNS City of Bismarck's master.

During the visit the Bismarck Mandan Elks Men's Chorus performed three songs for the ship's crew and guests in attendance. After their performance, Bismarck City Commissioner, Nancy Guy, presented 26 Plankowner plaques to the ship's crew.

Additionally, culinary experts aboard USNS City of Bismarck prepared lunch and provided a ceremonial cake for the event.

"The expeditionary fast transports are in demand, with every fleet commander wanting multiple EPFs to operate in their region," according to Carter. "We christened USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) earlier this year and we look forward to the arrival of EPFs 11 and 12, USNS Puerto Rico and the recently announced USNS Newport."

Originally, the event was to include an underway aboard USNS City of Bismarck but hazardous weather prevented the ship from leaving port.

"We had a terrific time!" exclaimed Bill Butcher, one of the USNS City of Bismarck Committee coordinators. "In retrospect, while we were disappointed that we weren't able to go to sea aboard USNS City of Bismarck, it turned out just fine as we were able to interact with the crew in a manner that we couldn't have had we been at sea, hence making them otherwise occupied. The crew and coordinator's efforts were greatly appreciated by all."

USNS City of Bismarck is designed to support intra-theater military transport. They can be reconfigured to quickly adapt to whatever mission the ship is tasked with to include carrying contained portable hospitals, to support disaster relief or transporting troops and tanks.

"Ships like USNS City of Bismarck enable Military Sealift Command to boldly sail the world's oceans; providing assured logistics and specialized support to the joint warfighter," said Rear Adm. Dee Mewbourne, Commander, Military Sealift Command. "USNS City of Bismarck embodies valued American traits of creativity, dedication and excellence, traits that will remain with her as she operates worldwide in service to our nation."

"Like her eight sister ships operating around the globe, USNS City of Bismarck will provide those capabilities, giving us a competitive edge against potential adversaries," said Mewbourne. "Most importantly, USNS City of Bismarck will provide options as we sail toward that storm through her unique combination of speed, capacity, flexibility, and, of course, a well-trained crew."

Prior to visiting USNS City of Bismarck, the group visited the aircraft carrier USS George W. Bush (CVN 77), the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) and received an extensive tour of Naval Station Norfolk, which included time at Ely Memorial Park.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/.