Military Sealift Command

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About MSC

About MSC

Our Mission

The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command is the premier provider of ocean transportation to the Department of Defense. The command operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

A key part of MSC’s fleet is the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, which comprises more than 40 ships that provide combat logistics support to the U.S. Navy fleet. All NFAF ships are crewed by civil service mariners, also called CIVMARs. In addition, four other MSC ships belonging to the command’s Special Mission Program have crews that fully or partially comprise CIVMARs: a Navy command ship, two submarine tenders and a cable laying/repair ship.

Who is MSC

CIVMARs, who are all federal civil service employees, make up the largest segment of MSC’s global workforce and play a critical role in supporting our nation’s defense. They serve aboard the following NFAF ships:

• Ammunition ships (T-AE) – providing Navy combatants with ammunition;
• Dry cargo/ammunition ships (T-AKE) – multi-product ships delivering ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts and expendable supplies to combatants;
• Fast combat support ships (T-AOE) – high speed vessels designed to carry fuel, ammunition and supplies;
• Fleet replenishment oilers (T-AO) – provide underway replenishment of fuel to Navy combat ships and jet fuel to aircraft aboard carriers at sea;
• Fleet ocean tugs (T-ATF) – provide towing services and operate as platforms for Navy divers in the recovery of downed aircraft and ships
• Hospital ships (T-AH) – serve as emergency, on-site trauma centers for the care of combatant forces and, as required, for humanitarian relief;
• Rescue/salvage ships (T-ARS) - assist in rescue and salvage missions.

A shipboard tour is a minimum of four months. At the completion of the four month tour, CIVMARs may elect to continue their assignment aboard, transfer to another ship, take a training class, or go on earned leave. CIVMARs employed by MSC are paid a base salary and earned overtime. Overtime is earned for work performed in excess of eight hours per day and work performed on weekends and holidays. All CIVMARs earn, on average, two to three weeks vacation time per four month tour aboard ship.

Training & Promotional Opportunities

MSC provides the mandatory training required for newly hired CIVMARs. New employee orientation, a one-week course, is conducted in Norfolk, VA. after which further training is conducted in schools in either Freehold, NJ, or San Diego, CA. Additional paid training and upgrade opportunities are based on position held, ship requirements, self-initiative and the ability to advance to the next higher rated position through our merit promotion process.

MSC offers a variety of positions onboard the civil service crewed ships. All personnel serving onboard a CIVMAR ship must have, at a minimum, a valid U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner’s credential with entry-level endorsements. Specific ratings may also require additional endorsements, licenses or prior experience in order to qualify. Additional requirements for individual position vacancies are listed on the Now Hiring page. Click here to view descriptions of our shipboard departments, as well as all externally hired MSC positions.

If you’re looking for a maritime career, start here.

Pick one of the career path channels that best fits your skills and experience.

Current Mariner
Departing Military/Veterans
Academy Graduate
Entry-Level/Skilled Laborer

Take Command of Your Career®

Feel the pride of serving your country without making a service commitment. There is no such thing as an average day with MSC. We offer excellent federal civil service benefits, exciting visits to foreign ports of call and numerous promotion opportunities that allow you to build a rewarding career in support of our nation’s defense.