News

NWS19oct-4. Former USS Santa Barbara joins Military Sealift Command by Military Sealift Command Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NWS) -- Military Sealift Command (MSC) has added USNS Santa Barbara (T-AE 28) to its combat logistics fleet. The ammunition ship -- which has provided more than 28 years of logistics service to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet -- was decommissioned at Naval Weapons Station Charleston, South Carolina on Sept. 30. When Santa Barbara was an active Navy ship, she made numerous deployments, participated in operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and earned multiple citations including four Battle "E" Awards and three Meritorious Unit Commendations. "I want to assure you that we will take care of Santa Barbara and allow her to continue serving the Navy and her country," said Capt. Patricia McFadden, Commander, MSC, Atlantic. For now, Santa Barbara is in a reduced operating status in Charleston, S.C., with a small caretaker crew aboard until it is decided when the ship will undergo conversion modifications. MSC operates 33 combat logistics ships, worldwide, providing fuel, ammunition, spare parts and other supplies that enable the Navy fleet to remain at sea for long periods of time.