The Powhatan class of fleet ocean tugs consists of seven ships built for the United States Navy, and operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC). The lead ship of the class was launched in 1978 and the last ship in MSC service will be deactivated in 2023. During their service life, the Powhatan's were the most powerful tugs owned by the Navy.
USNS Powhatan (T-ATF-166) at sea, 16 April 1981.
USNS Apache fighting fire aboard Tahoma Reefer
USNS Mohawk towing USS Wisconsin
Image: USNS Powhatan port side
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is an organization that controls the replenishment and military transport ships of the United States Navy. Military Sealift Command has the responsibility for providing sealift and ocean transportation for all US military services as well as for other government agencies. It first came into existence on 9 July 1949 when the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) became solely responsible for the Department of Defense's ocean transport needs. The MSTS was renamed the Military Sealift Command in 1970.
Rear Admiral Philip E. Sobeck, commander of Military Sealift Command.
MSC ships are identified by the blue and gold stripes on their stacks.
An Oiler conducts a replenishment-at-sea with USCGC Stratton, 2012
A Fleet Oiler (formerly the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force) ship, USNS Kanawha, bearing the blue-and-gold stripes on its stack
