Posted:
August 12, 2010
The M/V American Tern and USNS Samuel L. Cobb in July delivered fuel, heavy vehicles and containerized cargo to Thule Air Base in Greenland, the U.S. military's northernmost installation, Military Sealift Command reported. Operation Pacer Goose, the annual resupply mission to the base, has been conducted by contract civilian mariners since 1952.
The USNS Cobb loaded in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and delivered nearly 8.5 million gallons of fuel to Thule. The Tern loaded in Norfolk, Va., and carried four snow-removal tractors and approximately 120 containers of military equipment, vehicles, medical supplies and other items needed at the base. The vessels also removed garbage and non-repairable equipment.
On the return to Norfolk, the Tern answered a distress call from a fishing vessel. The Tern's crew determined the vessel required a tow into port and remained nearby until the Canadian Coast Guard confirmed one had been arranged. The Tern returned to Norfolk Aug. 9.
The American Tern is operated by APL Maritime Limited and the USNS Samuel L. Cobb is operated by Ocean Ships Inc. Both vessels are under charter to Military Sealift Command and are manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.
American Tern, USNS Cobb complete annual Arctic resupply mission
The M/V American Tern and USNS Samuel L. Cobb in July delivered fuel, heavy vehicles and containerized cargo to Thule Air Base in Greenland, the U.S. military's northernmost installation, Military Sealift Command reported. Operation Pacer Goose, the annual resupply mission to the base, has been conducted by contract civilian mariners since 1952.
The USNS Cobb loaded in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and delivered nearly 8.5 million gallons of fuel to Thule. The Tern loaded in Norfolk, Va., and carried four snow-removal tractors and approximately 120 containers of military equipment, vehicles, medical supplies and other items needed at the base. The vessels also removed garbage and non-repairable equipment.
On the return to Norfolk, the Tern answered a distress call from a fishing vessel. The Tern's crew determined the vessel required a tow into port and remained nearby until the Canadian Coast Guard confirmed one had been arranged. The Tern returned to Norfolk Aug. 9.
The American Tern is operated by APL Maritime Limited and the USNS Samuel L. Cobb is operated by Ocean Ships Inc. Both vessels are under charter to Military Sealift Command and are manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.