Posted:
July 23, 2013
The following message dated July 19 was sent to TOTE Services, Inc. by Cmdr. Ed Plott, commanding officer, Military Sealift Command Office, Busan, Korea. The USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler is operated for MSC by TOTE Services, Inc. and is manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.
Wanted to drop you a quick note regarding the outstanding efforts of the crew of the USNS WHEELER. It is not my normal habit to send emails regarding a particular ship or crew, but felt it was warranted in this case.
Ever since your company took over the ship last year, the crewmembers have been extremely accommodating and are always looking to help in any way they can. As you probably know, they have provided tours for multiple groups of DVs (U.S. and Republic of Korea dignitaries) as well as young officers and sailors from the Republic of Korea Army and Navy. They were also critical in proving the capabilities of the ship during the recent C/JLOTS exercise, demonstrating a very unique and valuable mission. WHEELER's portion of the exercise went flawlessly. But their professional maritime performance is just part of what they have been doing.
Under the leadership of Captain Glenn Macario and Chief Engineer Brian Kelly (and Chief Mate Mark Kerr who filled in as Captain temporarily), the crew volunteered to help set up the newly renovated United Seamen's Service Center on Pier 8. They have provided countless off-duty hours working on the exterior of the building and have made it a warm and welcoming place. You will be able to see the fruits of their labor the next time you visit Busan.
Captain John Mansfield and Chief Engineer Pat Yarbrough are continuing to lead efforts for further improvements. Additionally, they played a large role in our annual Maritime Day celebration at the USS Center on Pier 5.
Chief Engineer Kelly also spearheaded a drive to take children from the Miaewon Orphanage to a Lotte Giants baseball game. This event was an immense opportunity for many of the children who would not otherwise be able to see a professional baseball game except on television. Chief Engineer Kelly was able to gather additional support from MSCO Korea and USNS RED CLOUD and this special event would not have happened without his idea and initiative.
The efforts of the USNS WHEELER's crew do not go unnoticed and it is recognized that their success can be directly attributed to their leaders. Suffice it to say, your Captains (Macario and Mansfield) and Chief Engineers (Kelly and Yarbrough) are the epitome of professional mariners, are tremendously helpful, and are very much appreciated. The rest of the crew reflects the remarkable professionalism demonstrated by these gentlemen.
MSC commends officers, crew of USNS Wheeler
The following message dated July 19 was sent to TOTE Services, Inc. by Cmdr. Ed Plott, commanding officer, Military Sealift Command Office, Busan, Korea. The USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler is operated for MSC by TOTE Services, Inc. and is manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.
Wanted to drop you a quick note regarding the outstanding efforts of the crew of the USNS WHEELER. It is not my normal habit to send emails regarding a particular ship or crew, but felt it was warranted in this case.
Ever since your company took over the ship last year, the crewmembers have been extremely accommodating and are always looking to help in any way they can. As you probably know, they have provided tours for multiple groups of DVs (U.S. and Republic of Korea dignitaries) as well as young officers and sailors from the Republic of Korea Army and Navy. They were also critical in proving the capabilities of the ship during the recent C/JLOTS exercise, demonstrating a very unique and valuable mission. WHEELER's portion of the exercise went flawlessly. But their professional maritime performance is just part of what they have been doing.
Under the leadership of Captain Glenn Macario and Chief Engineer Brian Kelly (and Chief Mate Mark Kerr who filled in as Captain temporarily), the crew volunteered to help set up the newly renovated United Seamen's Service Center on Pier 8. They have provided countless off-duty hours working on the exterior of the building and have made it a warm and welcoming place. You will be able to see the fruits of their labor the next time you visit Busan.
Captain John Mansfield and Chief Engineer Pat Yarbrough are continuing to lead efforts for further improvements. Additionally, they played a large role in our annual Maritime Day celebration at the USS Center on Pier 5.
Chief Engineer Kelly also spearheaded a drive to take children from the Miaewon Orphanage to a Lotte Giants baseball game. This event was an immense opportunity for many of the children who would not otherwise be able to see a professional baseball game except on television. Chief Engineer Kelly was able to gather additional support from MSCO Korea and USNS RED CLOUD and this special event would not have happened without his idea and initiative.
The efforts of the USNS WHEELER's crew do not go unnoticed and it is recognized that their success can be directly attributed to their leaders. Suffice it to say, your Captains (Macario and Mansfield) and Chief Engineers (Kelly and Yarbrough) are the epitome of professional mariners, are tremendously helpful, and are very much appreciated. The rest of the crew reflects the remarkable professionalism demonstrated by these gentlemen.