Military Sealift Command Public Affairs
For more information, contact:
Anna Hancock (202) 685-5055
June 15, 2009

Henson conducts port visit to Norway

Military Sealift Command oceanographic survey ship USNS Henson will arrive in Oslo, Norway June 15 for a routine port visit.

Henson is one of seven noncombatant oceanographic survey ships operated for the Naval Oceanographic Office by MSC. These survey ships remain at sea year-round surveying the world's oceans using a variety of sonar systems to collect data in coastal and deep sea waters.

Civilian oceanographers from NAVOCEANO embark the ships in locations around the world to conduct the survey mission. These oceanographers use sophisticated sensors and equipment to chart the ocean floor; analyze the seafloor and water column; and record environmental data such as temperature, salinity, currents and sediments.

Located at Stennis Space Center, Miss., NAVOCEANO employs approximately 1,000 civilian, military and contract personnel, and is responsible for providing oceanographic products and services to all elements within the U.S. Department of Defense.

Military Sealift Command operates approximately 110 non-combatant, merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

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