AMO Currents - Two ships, two unions, two operating companies

AMO Currents - Posted: July 23, 2014

Two ships, two unions, two operating companies - one team

At-sea operation successfully demonstrates core capabilities of MLP 1

During a series of at-sea operations conducted near Long Beach, Calif. in June, the Navy's first mobile landing platform, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), successfully demonstrated key technologies that will provide improved capabilities for large-scale logistics movements, such as the transfer of vehicles and equipment at sea.

During the at-sea testing, the USNS Montford Point was moored alongside the large medium-speed roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR 300). The USNS Montford Point's vehicle transfer ramp was deployed, attached to the LMSR, and then recovered, demonstrating the capabilities of the vehicle transfer ramp and the vessel's ability to perform skin-to-skin operations.

The MLP with core capability set (CCS) was developed primarily to provide a surface interface between Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron vessels and connectors. The platform's unique CCS makes it possible for the ship to easily transfer vehicles, personnel and equipment from other vessels, such as an LMSR, onto landing craft, air cushioned (LCAC) vehicles for transportation to shore.

The MLP class of modular, flexible ships belongs to Military Sealift Command's Maritime Prepositioning Force as a mobile sea-base option that provides the fleet with critical afloat capabilities, supporting the flexible deployment of forces and supplies. Contract civilian mariners operate and navigate two MLPs on behalf of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The USNS Montford Point is operated for MSC by Ocean Ships, Inc. The USNS Bob Hope is operated for MSC by General Dynamics American Overseas Marine Corp. Both ships are manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers and in all unlicensed positions by the Seafarers International Union.

"The officers and crew of USNS Montford Point are dedicated to providing MSC and the U.S. Marine Corps with a reliable platform for conducting transfers at sea," said Captain Michael Sands, master on MLP 1. "USNS Montford Point and USNS Bob Hope have excelled in all areas of testing to date. We especially would like to thank the crew of the USNS Bob Hope for their professionalism and support during this testing evolution and look forward to working with them in the future."

The USNS Montford Point had the core capability set installed in April. A series of robust test and evaluation events in June served as preparation for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation events scheduled to take place later this year.

During a series of at-sea operations conducted near Long Beach, Calif. in June, the Navy's first mobile landing platform, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), was moored alongside the LMSR USNS Bob Hope. The MLP's vehicle transfer ramp was deployed, attached to the LMSR, and then recovered, demonstrating the capabilities of the vehicle transfer ramp and the vessel's ability to perform skin-to-skin operations. The USNS Montford Point is operated for MSC by Ocean Ships, Inc. The USNS Bob Hope is operated for MSC by General Dynamics American Overseas Marine Corp. Both ships are manned in all licensed positions by AMO and in all unlicensed positions by the SIU.

Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the USNS Montford Point in June during operations with the USNS Bob Hope included Third Mate Tom Kozarski, Third Mate Gene Brown, Second Mate Joshua Jordan, Captain Michael Sands, Chief Engineer Joseph Gelhaus, First Assistant Engineer Michael Long, Third A.E. Chris Beaton, Second A.E. Joe Moore and Electronics Officer Timmy Cannon. The USNS Montford Point is operated for MSC by Ocean Ships, Inc.

Members of American Maritime Officers working aboard the USNS Bob Hope in June during operations with the USNS Montford Point included Third Mate William Spooner, Captain Robert Silva, Chief Mate John Nowak, Chief Engineer Frank Coe, First Assistant Engineer John Towles, Second A.E. Paul Lindholm, Second Mate Michael Thomas and Chief Mate Scott Kreger. With them is AMO National Assistant Vice President Daniel Shea. The USNS Bob Hope is operated for MSC by General Dynamics American Overseas Marine Corp.

The officers and crews of the USNS Montford Point and USNS Bob Hope in June served in a series of robust test and evaluation events near Long Beach, Calif. The USNS Montford Point is operated for MSC by Ocean Ships, Inc. The USNS Bob Hope is operated for MSC by General Dynamics American Overseas Marine Corp. Both ships are manned in all licensed positions by AMO and in all unlicensed positions by the SIU.