Commander of MSC tours USNS Wheeler, discusses OPDS operations

Capt. Robert Rochford, commander of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3, on May 13 hosted Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon, commander of the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, onboard the USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler for a two-hour tour in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan. In addition to a complete tour of deck and engineering spaces, offshore petroleum distribution system (OPDS) deployment under current and future South Korean defense plans was discussed, and a demonstration of the USNS Wheeler's dynamic positioning capabilities was conducted. Additionally, Rear Adm. Shannon was given a live demonstration of the USNS Wheeler's powerful 6,000-gallon-per-minute fire monitors and the ship's unique 12-meter dual jet drive work boats (used by Chief Mate Pat Leahy to provide transportation to and from the USNS Wheeler for the tour). Additional topics covered during the tour were the ship's capabilities for humanitarian assistance missions and ideas for the next generation of OPDS vessels. Rear Adm. Shannon commented extensively on the condition and cleanliness of the ship, especially the engineering spaces (headed up by Chief Engineer Frank Celino and First Assistant Engineer Shannon Wilson). Here onboard the USNS Wheeler are (left to right) Commodore Rochford, Lead Mission Specialist Monty Brown, Lt. Carl Comasco (flag aide), Captain Glenn Macario (master on the USNS Wheeler), Rear Adm. Shannon, and Capt. Paul Stader (MSC chief of staff).

Here onboard the USNS Wheeler on May 13 in Saipan are (left to right) Commodore Rochford, Second Assistant Engineer Matt Farmer, First A.E. Shannon Wilson, Third A.E. Jeff Polek, Chief Engineer Frank Celino, Rear Adm. Shannon, and Capt. Stader. Photos courtesy of Captain Glenn Macario