"Bosun" Keeps Deck Department in Ship Shape

Courtesy Photo | Boatswain’s Mate Algernon Reed is responsible for all cargo-handling operations aboard Military Sealift Command’s USNS Fisher (T-AKR 301). The ship transports rolling stock and containers in support of Department of Defense sealift missions in the Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Dawn Hansen)  

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

09.29.2021

Story by Leslie Hull-Ryde 

Military Sealift Command Far East

He may spend most of his time below decks, but when it comes to making sure the ship is ready for any tasking, Boatswain’s Mate Algernon Reed is at the top of the list.

Also, known as “bosun,” Reed works closely with the chief mate aboard USNS Fisher (T-AKR 301). Together, the duo makes sure all cargo operations are conducted safely and efficiently. For a sealift ship like Fisher, that’s a big job as the vessel transports rolling stock and containers in support of Department of Defense missions.

But it’s not too much for Reed who has served as a contracted mariner with Military Sealift Command since 2006, when his family first prompted him to explore the opportunity.

Since then, he has supported MSC missions like Fisher’s, which is part of Military Sealift Command’s surge sealift fleet. Military Sealift Command Far East ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific region, are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.

Task force commanders employ these ships to ensure mission accomplishment.

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific and Task Force 73 is the U.S. 7th Fleet's provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships that keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled and fed.

As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

Military Sealift Command is the leading provider of ocean transportation for the Navy and the rest of the Department of Defense - operating approximately 125 ships daily around the globe.

Editor's note: Cmdr. Dawn Hansen contributed to this story.

• Date Taken: 09.29.2021
• Date Posted: 09.29.2021 08:39
• Story ID: 406249
• Location: U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY