Photo By LaShawn Sykes | Captain Alexandria Hagerty, master of USNS Shughart (T-AKR-295), a Surge LMSR (large,...... read more read more
What is your name and title and what ship are you on?
I am Captain Alexandria Hagerty, master of USNS Shughart (T-AKR-295), a Surge LMSR (large, medium speed roll-on roll-off) 908 foot-long vehicle cargo ship, owned by Military Sealift Command and operated by Ocean Shipholding, Inc., Houston, Texas. She earned the rank of captain in 2020, making her then one of only 149 U.S. female captains to command a ship globally, out of a US merchant marine workforce of 210,000.
When did you join MSC, and what is unique about your career with MSC?
In 2015, before joining Military Sealift Command to work on government vessels, I served with the American Maritime Officers’ (AMO) Union, where I primarily worked on commercial vessels. Shortly thereafter, having successfully completed all of the government required classes, I began working on a plethora of different classes of ships, based in remote parts of the world. What’s unique about a career with MSC is the chance to work both stateside and abroad. If you are interested in working in Japan, for example, there are a variety of MSC vessels that work in the Far East year-round. Over the years, I’ve found the work to be constantly dynamic and unique. Likewise, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities, working on oceanographic survey vessels such as the USNS Bowditch (T-AGS-21), and operating with scientists in Japan and in other remote parts of the world. I specifically appreciate vessels like Shughart, and her sister ship, USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR-300) because LMSR ships are large vessels with amazing capabilities, in terms of power, speed, size, and cargo carrying capacity.
What is your job with MSC?
As the master of a Surge Fleet LMSR cargo vessel, I am often in charge of an entire U.S. Army Task Force ship load, which can include, but not limited to, 58 tanks, 48 other track vehicles, and more than 900 trucks and other wheeled vehicles. These vessels can get underway at a moment’s notice to assist with a variety of real world situations such as assisting in a natural disaster, supporting our troops overseas, and many other exigent circumstances.
Being a captain is a unique role wherein I work with multiple ship departments, from engineering to deck to storekeeping to steward and all the other ship departments in between, along with working with MSC and the operating company. As the master of Shughart, it is vital that I meet the needs of all ship departments, while simultaneously working with contractors on a regular basis. In addition to being in charge of all things operational, I am also responsible for all administrative issues: maintaining the ship’s budget, payroll, and inventory; keeping up with the ship’s progress reports, both weekly and monthly; participating in ship teleconferences, and preserving preventative ship maintenance measures. Some may coin us with the term “Shiplomat” instead of “diplomat”! This is because of the varied roles I play in terms of managing crew relations to balancing company requirements with Military Sealift Command’s needs.
What does a typical day look like for you?
At 0530 hours, I start my day checking emails to learn about anything that may affect the ship’s or crew’s day in terms of contractors and MSC operations. At 0800 hours, I meet with the crew to discuss projects, changes, upcoming deadlines, security, inventories, maintenance and repair, habitability issues, visitors, new US Coast Guard requirements, safety concerns, COVID updates, IMO (International Maritime Organization – Part of the United Nations) and company updates. Throughout the day, various department heads, program managers, port engineers, contractors, and company men check in with me on various jobs and updates that may impact the ship. I use case studies and accident reports to teach the crew about safety and the importance safety has on our daily jobs. Typically, I work a 12-hour work day; however, it can be much longer depending on what contractors are on board or ship operations that need to be completed.
How does CONMARS differ from CIVMARS, and what is the best thing about being a CONMAR?
A contract mariner differs from a civil service mariner (CIVMAR) in that CONMAR’s work on MSC contract operated vessels and CIVMARS work on government operated vessels owned by MSC. CIVMARS are federal government workers who account for 80% of MSC’s workforce. While there are a few differences, there are some similarities. We still take the same classes and abide by the same rules and regulations, but the time we spend on board varies. CONMAR’s may get involved with “activations” in which a ROS (Reduced Operating Status) ship is activated within five days with a full crew into FOS (Full Operating Status) status that could span from two weeks to two months. Other times, the vessel hires mariners for a rotation -- four months on and four months off. There are various contracts depending on the operating company contract. Compensation such as vacation and overtime change from company to ship and ship to ship.
The best thing about being a CONMAR is the ability to jump on one vessel and then onto a different one for various periods of time. I get to work with different crews and people and that keeps my skills sharp as I stay flexible and challenged to learn the vessel.
What is the most challenging part of your work?
I think time management is a huge part of this job which presents unique challenges. One can work non-stop for hours without taking a break. Breaking your time and focusing, when possible, on one task at hand for a specific period of time and then delving into the next task helps a lot. I also get up and walk around the ship to all the different departments to see how my crew are doing and what I can do to help them complete their jobs. Finding the right balance is key.
What is your favorite memory at sea?
I have many great sea memories. One noteworthy memory occurred onboard the USNS Henson (T-AGS 63) in Iceland, where I was overwhelmed with an amazing light show of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) near the Arctic Circle. I took several amazing photos but the pictures don’t compare to physically standing outside watching the lights come alive and move across the sky. Simply Wonderful!
What is USNS Shughart's mission and how does the vessel assist the join warfighter?
Shughart’s primary mission is to carry vehicles and equipment to support humanitarian missions, as well combat missions. This vessel was originally named the Laura Maersk, constructed in 1980 in Denmark. Later, the ship was lengthened once by Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipyard and then delivered to Military Sealift Command on May 7, 1996. She was lengthened a second time by NASSCO San Diego and renamed after Medal of Honor recipient US Army Sergeant Randall D. Shughart. This vessel has two 110-ton cranes, port and starboard ramps, and a stern ramp. Her top speed is 24 knots (44 kilometer per hour) with a helicopter landing pad. She is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2022.
What would you tell someone who is interested in joining MSC?
MSC is a wonderful place to gain an abundance of sea time, travel the globe, and get paid a good wage while getting proper and real-time training and accruing long term benefits for you and your family. It offers the ability to obtain a retirement and medical benefits while building hands-on skills that you can take home. The amount of hats a seafarer wears is more than most professionals; from security to small arms, to firefighting to navigating the globe, to finding solutions to problems on a moving platform. You learn a lot about yourself working around the world.
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2021 14:40 |
| Story ID: | 398404 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,644 |
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This work, We Are MSC: Captain Alexandra Hagerty Shares Her Seafarer Experience, by LaShawn Sykes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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