NORFOLK, Va. — Recent military activity in the Red Sea is said to be some of the most intense Naval combat operations since World War II.
And the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Stike Group couldn't have done what it did without and able assist from the USNS Supply.
The Military Sealift Command Combat Logistics Force vessel did its part in Operation Prosperity Guardian – the international coalition response to Houthi-led attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
"They just worked, put their nose down and worked and did well. I couldn't be prouder," said Captain Pete Lenardson, USNS Supply Master.
Steaming 50,100 nautical miles over 247 days, the Supply completed 143 underway replenishments, transferring more than 87 million gallons of fuel and nearly 15,000 pallets of critical cargo, keeping the Ike team battle-ready.
"The bottom line is these mariners put their lives on the line for our nation's security, to make sure commerce could flow, to make sure international norms are intact," said Rear Admiral Philip Sobeck, Military Sealift Command Commander.
on Wednesday, the Supply received the Navy Unit Commendation award for outstanding performance, and 15 Supply civilian mariners received individual awards.
"I wasn't expecting it. I don't feel I deserve it. It's my job. So, I take pride in doing the job. But I do appreciate it." said Queen Abdallah-Lassiter, USNS Supply Yeoman.
"It's actually very nice to be recognized for being a part of the operations that went on over there. And as the admiral said, they can't complete the mission without us," said Eliza Pengree, USNS Supply First Engineer.
This is a second tour of duty for the Supply. The ship was originally a U.S. Navy vessel called USS Supply that was commissioned back in 1994.
It was transferred to the Military Sealift Command and was re-named USNS Supply in 2001.