American Maritime Officers members onboard the Cape San Juan in August, here in Norfolk, Va., included ETO Alex Miller, Third Assistant Engineer Jeffrey Markarian, Captain Andrew Moffly, Third Mates Drew Roque and Matt Baptist, Chief Mate John Ratcliffe and Second Mate Zoe Chang.
The Cape San Juan, a roll on, roll off vessel, is being prepared to join the U.S. flag fleet as part of the recapitalization process of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF).
The vessel was purchased by Crowley’s Government Solutions business unit as part of the company’s contract with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) as the Vessel Acquisition Manager. Crowley recently also purchased on MARAD’s behalf the Cape Sable, which is in the final stages of re-flagging in Norfolk, Va. Another vessel is expected to be reflagged into the U.S. registry in September.
The three vessels will be manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers and operated by Crowley.
The RRF primarily supports transport of Army and Marine Corps unit equipment, combat support equipment, and initial resupply during critical surge periods. It’s estimated that the RRF provides around 50 percent of the nation’s surge sealift capacity, but many of the 45 vessels are well over 50 years old. Newer ships like the Cape San Juan and Cape Sable will replace older vessels once reflagged.
