USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8)

The Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) breaks away from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) after a refueling at sea. George H.W. Bush is conducting training in the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Leonard Adams/Released)

USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7)

The Military Sealift Command fast-combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) performs maneuvers at sea after an underway replenishment with the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). Bunker Hill is supporting Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multi-national environment. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7)

A MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducts a vertical replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7). Freedom is conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Lt. Ed Early/Released)

USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3)

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Island Knights of Helicopter Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, transfers stores from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean on her first summer deployment from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Aviation Boatswains Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Justin Sickler/Released)

USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) transits the Pacific Ocean en route to Samoa, the first site for Pacific Partnership 2009. Pacific Partnership 2009 will be the fourth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance missions for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Richard E. Byrd will embark humanitarian civic assistance equipment and a robust multi-specialized team of preventive medicine personnel, veterinarians, medical and dental teams, a construction battalion and engineering personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Valcarcel/Released)

General Frank S. Besson Jr. (LSV 1)

The U.S. Army logistic support vessel General Frank S. Besson Jr. (LSV 1) drops its bow ramp on a beach on board Naval Amphibious Base (NAS) Little Creek, Va., during a training evolution. The prime mission of the ship is the direct transport and discharge of liquid and dry cargo to shallow terminal areas, to remote under-developed coastlines and on inland waterways. It is capable of carrying 2,280 tons of vehicles, including 26 M-1 Abrams tanks, containers or general cargo. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)

USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3)

An MH-60 Seahawk assigned to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 approaches the flight deck of the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) to receive and transport ordnance to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during an ammunition on load. John C. Stennis is receiving ammunition to prepare for deployment in early 2009. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kevin M. Murphy)

USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) steams in the Atlantic Ocean as an MH-60S Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 conducts a vertical replenishment during the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX provides training to ensure the strike group is capable and ready for its upcoming deployment. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Released)

USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE-4)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE-4) makes its approach alongside the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) for an underway replenishment. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez/Released)

USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) moors at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Oki/Released)

USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) is underway with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin DDG (89) during an underway replenishment. Mustin is participating in Talisman Saber 09, a biennial joint military exercise between the U.S. and Australia focusing on operational and tactical interoperability. (Photo: U.S. Navy/ Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Reckard/Released)

USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4)

The military sealift command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) conducts a replenishment at sea with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of the maritime strategy (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nichelle Noelle Whitfield/Released)

USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) is moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Matthew Perry is conducting its first pre-deployment sea trials in the middle Pacific and has made port visits at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Lahaina, Maui. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released)

USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1)

An SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dragonslayers of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 11 carries ammunition from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are conducting operations in preparation for the ship's 21st deployment. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)

USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) delivers stores and relief supplies to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) off the coast of Haiti. Fort McHenry is participating in Operation Unified Response as part of USS Bataan (LHD 5) Amphibious Relief Mission, providing military support capabilities to civil authorities to help stabilize and improve the situation in Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rachael L. Leslie/Released)

USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Sacegewea is delivering supplies to U.S. Navy units conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 12. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) moves into position for a replenishment at sea with the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan, along with the amphibious dock landing ships USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), is supporting Operation Unified Response and is providing military support capabilities to civil authorities to help stabilize and improve the situation in Haiti in the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the area on Jan. 12, 2010. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)

USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2)

An MH-60S Sea Hawk returns to the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) during a vertical replenishment with the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Bataan and Carter Hall are participating in Operation Unified Response providing military support capabilities to civil authorities helping stabilize and improve the situation in Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera/Released)

USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2) conducts a vertical replenishment in the Caribbean Sea. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hendrick Dickson/Released)

USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2)

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), transports supplies from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) during a replenishment at sea. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park/Released)

USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2)

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 returns to the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) after delivering pallets of supplies to the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during a vertical replenishment. Bataan is supporting Operation Unified Response off the coast of Haiti after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Chief Mass Communication Specialist Tony Sisti/Released)

USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1)

Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) arrives for a port visit. Lewis and Clark is a new Combat Logistics Force underway replenishment naval vessel to replace the current capability of the Kilauea-class ammunition ship, Mars-class and Sirius-class combat stores ships. Lewis and Clark was delivered to the Navy June 20, 2006, and is operated by Military Sealift Command. She is designed to have a crew of 123 civilian mariners augmented by a military department of 49 personnel. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mr. Paul Farley)

USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1)

A harbor security boat patrols as dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) arrives for a port visit. Lewis and Clark is a new Combat Logistics Force underway replenishment naval vessel to replace the current capability of the Kilauea-class ammunition ship, Mars-class and Sirius-class combat stores ships. Lewis and Clark was delivered to the Navy June 20, 2006, and is operated by Military Sealift Command. She is designed to have a crew of 123 civilian mariners augmented by a military department of 49 personnel. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mr. Paul Farley)

USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1)

An SA-330 Puma helicopter from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) conducts a vertical replenishment with the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), not pictured. Iwo Jima is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Starkey/Released)

USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10)

In this file photo of June 18, 2010, the Military Sealift Command Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) is seen in an aerial view. The Navy officially accepted Charles Drew, July 14, during a ceremony at the General Dynamics-NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The ship is named in honor of Dr. Charles R. Drew, the African American surgeon and hematologist who developed procedures for the safe storage and transfusion of blood. (Photo: courtesy of General Dynamics NASSCO/Released)

USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1)

MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to the Tridents of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 transport ammunition from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) during a vertical replenishment aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Leonard Adams/Released)

USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) is underway in the Arabian Sea. Lewis and Clark is replenishing elements of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, which are providing disaster relief to flooded regions in Pakistan. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Edwardo Proano/Released)

USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1)

An SA-330J Puma helicopter flies over the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) during a replenishment at sea. Lewis and Clark replenished elements of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group which are supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Russell/Released)

USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3)

An AS332 Super Puma helicopter moves pallets of supplies from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a vertical replenishment. Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is underway in the western Pacific region. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Ryan Smith/Released)

USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4)

A Military Sealift Command-contracted SA-330J Puma helicopter transports cargo from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during a vertical replenishment. Mercy is conducting Pacific Partnership 2010, the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance endeavors to strengthen regional partnerships. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson/Released)

USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) pulls alongside the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a vertical replenishment. George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is underway helping to ensure security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David A. Cox/Released)

USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) moves into position for a replenishment at sea with the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Chief Mass Communication Specialist Tony Sisti/Released)

USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8)

An HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15 carries a load of supplies off the deck of the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) during a vertical replenishment with the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on a deployment to the U.S. 7th and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Travis K. Mendoza/Released)

USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) pulls into port at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GTMO). Wally Schirra pulled into GTMO to offload approximately 160 pallets of bottled water and dry food stores as part of Project Handclasp. Project Handclasp is a Navy program that coordinates transportation and delivery of humanitarian, educational and goodwill material donated to the foundation by corporations, charitable and public service organizations and private citizens throughout the United States for distribution to foreign countries who need aid. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Mesta/Released)

USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5)

Balloons and bunting decorate the bow of Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) during christening ceremonies at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard. The ship is named for the man who led the first expedition to the geographic North Pole. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Brian Brannon)

USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5)

An SA-330J Puma helicopter picks up cargo from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) during a vertical replenishment with the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard is the command platform for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sarah E. Bitter/Released)

USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) pulls alongside the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) (not pictured) to conduct a replenishment at sea. Ashland is part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Released)

USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) is underway in the Red Sea. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Released)

USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5)

Sailors embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) use a rigid-hull inflatable boat to conduct a passenger transfer with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5). San Jacinto is part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established in January 2009 to conduct counter-piracy operations. Combined Task Force 151 operates in the Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Somalia. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ja'lon A. Rhinehart/Released)

USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5)

The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) is underway alongside the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a vertical replenishment. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed as a part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bradley Evans/Released)