Photos: USNS Bob Hope successfully completes mission for DEFENDER-Europe

The USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR 300), a surge sealift large medium speed roll-on/roll-off ship (LMSR), participated in the annual DEFENDER-Europe joint military exercises in Durres, Albania in May and June. The Bob Hope sailed from the Pacific Northwest before loading at ports in Florida and Virginia, and departing with more than 700 pieces of Army light infantry brigade equipment, including Humvees, trucks and light artillery. The USNS Bob Hope also participated in deploying the floating platform being used during joint logistics over-the-shore operations in the Adriatic Sea, loading and offloading logistical support vessels and other mission critical cargoes.

American Maritime Officers members working aboard the USNS Bob Hope in June, here after completing exercises in DEFENDER-Europe, included Captain Jim Ensz, Second Mate Ed Pollard, Third Mate Steven McCombs, Chief Engineer Mark Merenda, Third Mate John Arnold, Second Mate Sven Axelsson and Chief Mate Alan White. AMO represents the licensed officers aboard the USNS Bob Hope and the Seafarers International Union represents the unlicensed crew.