Military Sealift Command Public Affairs
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December 15, 2010

MSC Deputy Commander Visits Cable

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anna L. Arndt, USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

POLARIS POINT, Guam (NNS) -- The deputy commander of Military Sealift Command (MSC), visited the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) Dec. 3, to learn more about the ship's mission and see how the MSC integration is progressing.

MSC assumed responsibility for Frank Cable Feb. 1, 2010. The ship recently returned from Guam Shipyard, where it completed equipment upgrades to support operation with a smaller crew.

"The integration is proceeding very well," said Cable's Commanding Officer Capt. Thomas P. Stanley. "We were worried about the integration and cohesiveness of teamwork, but we really haven't had many issues. It has been a fairly seamless process from the personnel side. The sailors and civilian mariners (CIVMARs) work together in repair lockers but we also have clearly defined who does what and who owns what."

Cable is one of MSC's three larger ships that operate with a hybrid military and civilian mariner crew. MSC personnel fill billets in the engineering, deck, supply, and communications departments. They are also responsible for the operation and maintenance of equipment under their cognizance. The ship is still a commissioned USN vessel with a military commanding officer.

"We were concerned about our sailors' professional development and how we were going to get them qualified, to prepare them for future commands," said Stanley. "That was one of the things we made arrangements for. We wanted to minimize the burden on MSC but still allow sailors to stand under instruction watches, ask questions, observe and learn so they can get qualified."

Rear Adm. Brian LaRoche, deputy commander of MSC, was given a tour of the repair department machine shop, the recently remodeled crew's mess, MSC berthing, bridge and ship's support areas including the ship's store, post office, and barber shop.

"He was impressed by the progress he saw compared to the MSC commander's last visit, which occurred during the middle of the MSC integration shipyard period," said Stanley. "Overall, I think it went well."

Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more news from USS Frank Cable (AS 40), visit www.navy.mil/local/as40/.

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