MSCPAC Waves Goodbye to USNS Pecos in Memorable Send-Off

SAN DIEGO — The Military Sealift Command Pacific (MSCPAC) bid farewell today to the USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) as it embarked on its last journey from the San Diego Bay heading to the East Coast for deactivation. After 35 years of service, this marks the end of an era for the vessel that has been pivotal in supporting numerous military operations.

Commissioned in 1989, USNS Pecos took part in critical missions, including Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. In 2006, it joined the USNS Mercy to offer humanitarian aid across Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, heralding what is now the significant Pacific Partnership missions, extending medical and assistance efforts while fostering international ties in the region.

When disaster struck Japan in 2011, Pecos played an essential role in Operation Tomodachi. It collaborated with the USS Blue Ridge to deliver crucial disaster relief supplies after the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, completing nine underway replenishments and supplying over 2.3 million gallons of fuel to allied ships during the operation.

Continuing to demonstrate its strategic importance, the Navy navigated Pecos through the Taiwan Strait in 2018 to affirm its commitment to a free Indo-Pacific. Most recently, it was involved in the RIMPAC 2024 maritime exercise, distinguished by delivering almost 6.2 million gallons of fuel across 36 replenishments.

Captain Micah Murphy, leader of MSCPAC, lauded the vessel’s dedication and the crew’s unwavering work ethic. He attributed the ship’s latest achievements to the maritime proficiency and dedication of the crew, praising the leadership of Captain Keith Walzak, the longest-tenured master in MSC, as he concluded his noteworthy career alongside the ship’s retirement.

The crew’s contributions and Captain Walzak’s retirement were acknowledged in a gathering before Pecos’ final departure. Walzak, reflecting on his vast career spanning 45 years and numerous ships, expressed pride in having served on Pecos, attributing its success to the crew’s diligence and teamwork.

Murphy honored Walzak with the Civilian Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his support in RIMPAC 2024, marking a distinguished end to his extensive service dedicated to MSC.

Pecos, one of 15 Henry J. Kaiser class oilers, will be succeeded by the new John Lewis class vessels, such as USNS John Lewis, USNS Harvey Milk, and USNS Earl Warren, signaling a transition in fleet replenishment capabilities. Military Sealift Command, heading towards its 75th anniversary, oversees operations of around 140 civilian-manned ships, supporting military logistics worldwide with a diverse and skilled workforce.