Pililaau loads largest shipment of MRAP vehicles

Pililaau loads largest shipment of MRAP vehicles

The large medium-speed roll-on/roll-off vessel USNS Pililaau loaded more than 200 mine-resistant, ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles for delivery to U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cargo is the largest single MRAP shipment to date.

MRAPs are designed to protect their occupants against roadside bombs.

"MRAPs have proven their effectiveness against explosive devices and are saving troops' lives," said American Maritime Officers member Capt. Richard Malloy, master of the Pililaau. "We are honored to be part of this mission."

The USNS Pililaau is one of nine LMSRs operated by American Overseas Marine Corp. and manned in all licensed positions by AMO, and in all unlicensed positions by the Seafarers International Union.

"In one load, Pililaau can carry what could take a month to deliver by air," said Tom D'Agostino, director of ship operations at the Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic office in Charleston, S.C. "Pililaau helps us put these critically needed vehicles in the war fighters' hands at the right place, at the right time, for the right price."

With 380,000 square feet of cargo capacity, the 950-foot Pililaau is ideally suited to carry the large shipment of heavily-armored vehicles, which can be driven onboard the roll-on/roll-off ship, and driven between decks on access ramps.

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