NORFOLK, Va. — U.S. Navy Capt. Elizabeth Nelson, commodore, Military Sealift Command Atlantic (MSC Atlantic), welcomed home the civil service mariner (CIVMAR) crew of USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), Sept. 2. She presented the team with the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) award for an extraordinary deployment, supporting the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) during Operation Epic Fury (OEF).
McLean earned the PUC award alongside MSC’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196). Together, they share the historic distinction of being the first MSC Combat Logistics Force (CLF) vessels to receive this prestigious award. Kanawha received her award, July 17, 2026.
“You are the lifeline of the sea,” Nelson said. “McLean’s performance underscores the indispensable role that MSC’s CLF ships play in modern naval operations — ensuring U.S. and coalition forces remain forward, ready, and capable.”
Deployed for 179 days, the McLean served as a strategic enabler across the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleets, enabling sustained, port-independent operations for high-profile missions like OEF and Cobalt Shield. In its role as a floating warehouse, the ship replenished fuel, ammo, and...