Military Sealift Command (MSC)

Military Sealift Command (MSC) - During World War II, four separate government agencies controlled sea transportation. In 1949, the Military Sea Transportation Service became the single managing agency for the Department of Defenses's ocean transportation needs. It was renamed Military Sealift Command in 1970. The Command assumed responsibility for providing sealift and ocean transportation for all military services as well as for other government agencies.

MSCs' primary mission is to provide ocean transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies and ammunition to sustain US forces worldwide during peacetime and in war for as long as operational requirements dictate. During a war, more than 95% of the equipment and supplies needed to sustain the US military are carried by sea.