Description: The transport tankers are part of Military Sealift Command's Sealift Program, transporting fuel for the Department of Defense. These tankers embark on many unique missions including refueling the National Science Foundation in Antarctica and Thule Air Base in Greenland. A small, shallow-draft tanker moves petroleum products intra-theater in between Japan and Korea.
Features: The five Champion-class tankers, known as T5s, have double hulls and are ice-strengthened for protection against damage during missions in extreme climates. The MT Montauk, a T-1 equivalent tanker, is smaller and has a shallow draft for coastal work.
Background: Military Sealift Command's five transport tankers were built by the American Ship Building Company of Tampa, Fla., for Ocean Product Tankers of Houston, Texas, for long-term time charter to MSC. MV Gus W. Darnell, MV Paul Buck and MV Samuel L. Cobb entered MSC service in 1985. MV Richard G. Matthiesen and MV Lawrence H. Gianella entered MSC service in 1986. Gianella and Matthiesen are able to rig underway replenishment gear. In 2003, MSC purchased four of the tankers, making them United States Naval Ships: USNS Paul Buck, USNS Samuel L. Cobb, USNS Richard G. Matthiesen and USNS Lawrence H. Gianella. MV Gus Darnell remains a long-term charter, as does MT Montauk.
Point of Contact:
Office of Public Affairs
Military Sealift Command
Washington, DC 20398-5540
(202) 685-5055 or www.msc.navy.mil
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