Civil Service Mariners, who crew Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), completed a six-month Middle East deployment returned to Naval Station Norfolk, May 4.

While on deployment, Patuxent supported military efforts in the U.S. Naval Forces Central and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa's areas of operations.

"Steaming 37,236 nautical miles throughout its six-month deployment, Patuxent remained flexible in safely executing all operations with dynamic precision and esprit de corps," said Capt. Douglas McGoff, commander, Military Sealift Command Atlantic.

"While on deployment, Patuxent's mariners performing 16 vertical replenishments at sea and 46 replenishments at sea," added McGoff. "They transferred more than 19 million gallons of fuel and 2,035 pallets of critical logistical supplies to U.S. Navy and Allied ships operating in the region."

Underway replenishments are a critical naval capability which allows U.S. Navy and allied ships to be resupplied with fuel, food, and stores without pulling into a port. This capability allows naval warships to stay on station longer and continue with their mission uninterrupted.

"Keeping our navy warships and their sailors and marines supplied for extended periods of times is a superb logistical feat. And no one does it better than MSC's civilian mariners," said McGoff.

Patuxent returned home this month as Military Sealift Command celebrates 100 years of underway replenishments at sea.

"While on deployment, Patuxent served as goodwill ambassadors while visiting various countries including Bahrain; Djibouti, Duqm, Oman; Fujairah, U.A.E.; Jebel Ali, U.A.E; Malaga, Spain; Souda Bay, Crete; and Salalah, Oman. Your commitment to fostering regional partnerships is a true testament to the high quality of seamanship of our civilian mariners and MSC's ability to operate forward and provide an unprecedented level of service to our war-fighters worldwide," said McGoff.

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