Jeb Stuart was born in Patrick County, Va., Feb. 6, 1833. Stuart graduated from West Point in 1854 and served in the Mounted Rifles until he joined the Confederacy in 1861. As a cavalry officer, he gained fame and respect as a subordinate of Gen. Robert E. Lee. In 1862, Stuart took command of Lee's mounted units. In May of 1863, Stuart served as a temporary but extremely competent replacement for Stonewall Jackson, who had been wounded. During the Battle of Gettysburg while taking advantage of ambiguous orders, Stuart embarked on a controversial raid on the Union Army, causing him to arrive after the battle was nearly over. On May 11, 1864, at Yellow Tavern, Va., Stuart was wounded himself. He died May 12, 1864.

MV Jeb Stuart is a barge-carrying LASH, or lighter aboard ship, vessel capable of carrying both barges and containers. Jeb Stuart carries U.S. Army ammunition and is capable of independent, self-sustaining operations. Due to its self-sustaining capabilities, Jeb Stuart is particularly conducive to loading and unloading operations where port restrictions preclude the ship from tying up at a pier. The ship is prepositioned in Diego Garcia.