[Jeff Head]

It's not an official US vessel. It is operated by the Military Sea-lift Command (MSC) and is manned principally by civilians.

But it has very sophisticated, long range, sonar and other underwater detection gera on it and it tags the new subs at long distance.

I believe it should be a navy vessel and armed...but most importantly, that it shjould be escorted. Now we will.

[Abathar]

thanks

[Big_Monkey]

"It is operated by the Military Sea-lift Command (MSC) and is manned principally by civilians.

Although, they're technically civilians, I would wager that a good percentage are either prior-service or fully retired military.

I have very mixed feelings about the move throughout the '90's and well into this century to place civilians in billets that were previously handled by military personnel. I understand the cost saving nature of such policies, but I wonder if we don't lose effectiveness and overall competency in mission capabilities.