Posted:
April 20, 2011
Photo: Robert Mohler, Third Marine Aircraft Wing |
| The Military Sealift Command ship USNS SGT William R. Button and the Ready Reserve Force Ship S/S Curtiss - both manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers - participated in a Navy and Marine Corps training exercise off the coast of Camp Pendleton, Calif., during the first half of the month of March. During Exercise Pacific Horizon 2011, 2,500 sailors and Marines and the 64 U.S. contract civilian mariners working aboard the vessels offloaded approximately 200 pieces of Marine Corps field equipment without the use of port facilities, Military Sealift Command reported. The discharge was accomplished with the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS), which consists of a group of motorized and non-motorized barges that can move cargo directly from a vessel to the shore. The equipment was returned to the vessels during the end phase of the exercise. Here, Second Mate Andy McBride serves as the landing signalman, giving the helicopter pilot cues for landing onboard the S/S Curtiss. |