$210M from US Military Sealift Command to Purchase 3 Chartered Ships
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The US Military Sealift Command in Washington, DC has just spent $210 million to purchase 3 maritime prepositioning ships from Braintree Maritime Corp. in Quincy, MA. These Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) ships have been prepositioning Marine Corps cargo at sea around the world since 1985 under long-term charter to the Military Sealift Command, making that equipment readily available to warfighters who are flown into a theatre of operations. The ships are named after servicemen who have earned the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Each ship represents a $70 million option under a previously awarded contract – and see a round-up of past charter contracts to Braintree for additional perspective. The ships transfer to government ownership on Jan. 17, 2006, and will continue to operate worldwide.:
- PFC Dewayne T. Williams, from Braintree II Maritime Corp. (N00033-82-C-1030)
- 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez from Braintree III Maritime Corp. (N00033-82-C-1032)
- 1st Lt. Jack Lummus from Braintree IV Maritime Corp. (N00033-82-C-1034)
MSC’s official release says will currently retain Braintree II, III, and IV Maritime Corps. and their operating company, American Overseas Marine Corp. They are responsible for the operation and maintenance of each ship, which includes providing qualified crew members and performing necessary maintenance. Each ship is operated by 29 commercial mariners.
