DVIDS – News – Singapore Women’s International Shipping Trade Association Tour USNS Tippecanoe

On 24 January 2024, Far Eastern Command (MSC) hosted members of the Women’s International Maritime Trade Association (WISTA) Singapore Chapter on a ship tour held at Sembawang Pier, Singapore.

Approximately 20 members of WISTA toured the MSC fleet refueling tanker USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) while it was waiting for scheduled maintenance at the pier.

WISTA is an organization for women professionals working in shipping, trading, and related industries in the maritime industry from a variety of companies including shipowners, trading companies, bunkering stations, shipyards, chartering, ship management, insurance, finance, and law. is a networking forum.

Tippecanoe’s crew took time out of their busy schedules to show guests some interesting aspects of the ship.

“A lot of people may look at our ships, but they don’t know what we do, what our capabilities are, or even how our ships work. I don’t know,” said civilian sailor Dan Robinson, first officer on the USNS Tippecanoe. “This tour introduces people to the different elements of the Navy and gives them an understanding of what refuelers are and how they support the U.S. Navy fleet.”

The guided tour started at the fantail, continued through the engine room to the refueling station, and culminated on the ship’s bridge.

“I have been on many ships, but most were cargo ships. This is the first time I am on a refueling ship of this kind. It is amazing to me,” said WISTA member Magdalen Chu. Told. “Even among our members who work in the shipping industry, some of them have never been on a ship. I think this is a big deal.”

Tippecanoe’s crew demonstrated certain aspects of the ship and highlighted capabilities and features unique to the oiler. Many marveled at the amount of fuel and the ability to transport fuel and cargo by sea.

“I’ve never seen this kind of filling station before,” Chu added. “That’s really nice.”

Tippecanoe is part of a combat logistics force that delivers fuel and stores to U.S. Navy ships and certain allies and partners.

“General ship tours not only promote transparency and promote public trust and understanding of the MSC’s activities, but also provide an opportunity for the public to assess the Navy’s capabilities,” Robinson said. “Ship tours for groups such as WISTA also play an important role in promoting diversity and breaking down gender stereotypes. They understand that the crew on this ship is a diverse group. doing.”

Mr Chew said safety concerns led many organizations in Singapore to refrain from sending employees onboard ships, even though the employees had been in the shipping industry for years or even decades. He says he is hesitant.

“Through advertising and perhaps word of mouth, they[women]can encourage more women to join their businesses and let employers know that it is completely safe for women to go exploring. I hope so,” said Chu.

The commander of Task Force 73 will work with MSC Far East to refuel and replenish deployed naval forces with regional allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

MSC Far East ensures that approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific region are staffed, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo and equipment to warfighters both at sea and on land. . The U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, regularly interacting and operating with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

MSC’s workforce includes approximately 6,000 civil service sailors and 1,100 contract sailors, supported by 1,500 shore personnel and 1,400 active duty and reserve military personnel.

MSC has more than 140 ships at any given time, 70 percent of which are at sea or ready for duty.