Michael LaFleur, a 2001 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, made the decision to join Military Sealift Command after sailing as a Midshipman with Maersk. “I chose to sail with MSC because it was a guaranteed sailing position and gave me the chance to quickly advance my license,” said LaFleur. Now, at the age of 27 LaFleur has earned enough sea time and experience to hold his Unlimited Master’s License.

LaFleur’s first assignment was to the USNS Pecos, which was deployed to the 7th Fleet in the Far East. After joining the ship in Australia, LaFleur stood watch as the Pecos spent the next 65 days in a shipyard in Singapore. It was an incredible experience to have spent so much time in Singapore. “The ships that I have been on have all had a very comfortable working environment. This is a direct reflection on the management level officers and crew” says LaFleur.

Another memorable tour was LaFleurs experience on the USNS Mercy. Within 3 days of the Tsunami hitting Indonesia in December 2005, Michael LaFleur deployed from San Diego on the USNS Mercy to assist in the relief efforts. Assigned to the position of Second Mate Navigator, LaFleur assisted in charting the daily navigation of the floating hospital ship into Indonesian waters. Once there, daily flights departed and returned to the ship from makeshift shore side hospitals. “Never before had I seen such devastation, nor did I truly realize the critical role the United States government, and by default, Military Sealift Command plays in humanitarian aid,” recalls LaFleur.

LaFleur’s most recent tour with MSC was sailing as the Chief Mate on the USNS Kiska. One of the highlights of his day comes when there are arrivals or departures. LaFleur heads up to the bridge and takes the conn for the movement. “Conning the vessel in and out of port, and making UNREP approaches are my favorite part of this job’ said La Fleur. This is a unique opportunity to MSC officers as commercial Masters rarely relinquish the conn to anyone else.”

“While life onboard ship will never be my home, it is comfortable enough to allow me to disconnect from my job, even if just briefly”. After a typical day, he is able to unwind, either by fishing off the side of the vessel, going to work out in the gym or by relaxing in his private room watching movies. One night a week he gets together with some of his fellow CIVMARs to play cards.

Overall, LaFleur’s experience with MSC has been very rewarding and has helped him greatly advance his career. As with any position, there are challenges, however, he is content sailing with MSC and looks forward to the new challenges that await on the horizon. His advice to any new CIVMARs is “if you have a sense of adventure and are dedicated to hard work you will go far. The personal payoff over the last five years have been monumental,” states LaFleur. “I cherish the experiences and adventures that I have gained while sailing with this organization.”