Button, Lopez, Charlton load cargo for Iraq

Button, Lopez, Charlton load cargo for Iraq

Two AMSEA ships, Maersk Line LMSR serve in sealift mission for Rainbow Division

      Three Military Sealift Command ships in October loaded cargo in Philadelphia to be used by U.S. forces in Iraq, including the U.S. Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division in its first overseas deployment since World War II. All three of the ships are manned by American Maritime Officers in all licensed positions.
      In the early days of October, the MV 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, MV Sgt. William R. Button and the large medium-speed roll-on/roll-off vessel USNS Charlton loaded more than 400,000 square feet of combat gear at the Port of Philadelphia. The cargo included five-ton trucks, trailers, generators, helicopters and ambulances to be used by the 42nd Infantry Division, known as Rainbow Division.
      "The American merchant marine is maintaining a vital supply line for the U.S. military," said AMO National President Michael McKay. "As deployments for operations in Iraq continue, AMO members continue to hold a lead role in delivering the supplies and equipment needed by our troops on the ground."
      In all, 95 percent of the U.S. military equipment and supplies needed by deployed U.S. forces moves by sea. MSC has used a combination of government-owned vessels and chartered ships to deliver more than 59 million square feet of military cargo since Sept. 11, 2001. Additionally, MSC ships have delivered more than 6 billion gallons of fuel.
      The MV Lopez and MV Button are operated for MSC by American Overseas Marine, Inc. The USNS Charlton is one of eight LMSRs operated by Maersk Line Ltd. for MSC.

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