US Navy Oiler USNS Kanawha Awarded Rare Presidential Unit Citation For Operation Epic Fury Support

The U.S. Navy’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) has received the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) for its role in supporting the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group during Operation Epic Fury, becoming one of only two Military Sealift Command (MSC) units to earn the award in the command’s 77-year history.

The award, presented during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk on July 17, recognises Kanawha’s combat logistics support during the operation, where its civilian mariners kept the strike group supplied with fuel and ordnance while operating in contested waters.

The crew of USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), a dry cargo and ammunition ship that also provided logistics support to the strike group during Operation Epic Fury, was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation as well. Its crew will be formally recognised at a later ceremony.

Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, said the Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARs) aboard Kanawha played a key role in ensuring the strike group remained ready for operations.

“By serving as a vital lifeline in contested waters, the civil service mariners of Kanawha ensured the strike group remained fueled, armed, and ready for combat,” Thomas said during the ceremony.

He said the award marked the first of two Presidential Unit Citations in Military Sealift Command’s 77-year history and praised the crew’s courage, resilience and dedication.

“They didn’t just support the fleet; they made history,” Thomas said, adding that the crew had earned “the deepest respect of the entire United States Navy.”

Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, commander of Military Sealift Command, said the recognition shows the commitment of the Civil Service Mariner workforce that supports U.S. Navy operations at sea.

“This team represents the best of our Civil Service Mariner force,” Nicholson said. “Their work is the reason why MSC’s Combat Logistics Force has maintained its more than 77-year reputation as the logistics line that sustains the fight at sea.”

Former Kanawha Chief Mate Anthony Canseco said the mission succeeded because of the crew’s dedication and close coordination with the carrier strike group.

“Our success on this mission was a direct result of the relentless dedication of our crew and the seamless interoperability we built with the strike group,” Canseco said.

He said many mariners voluntarily postponed their scheduled reliefs after the deployment was unexpectedly extended during Operation Epic Fury.

“Many mariners, including myself, voluntarily delayed our scheduled reliefs, knowing it meant more time away from our families. We did so because we understood the stakes. U.S. warships depended on us to keep them fueled, supplied, and ready to fight,” he said.

Along with the unit citation, 20 individual awards were presented to crew members for their service during the deployment.

Three crew members, Chief Mate Anthony Canseco, Chief Engineer Abel Reyes and Ship Master Capt. Brian Roney, received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal.

Ten crew members received the Civilian Service Commendation Medal: First Assistant Engineer Alexander Bacalso, Second Assistant Engineer Jose DeBarros, Junior Supply Officer Ashly Farmer, Ships Communication Officer Anthony Felton, Cargo Bosun James Fitzpatrick, Second Assistant Engineer Brian Franklin, Bosun Theo Niang, Operations Chief Nicholas Petrone, Supply Officer Cierra Reed, and Chief Radio Electronics Technician Malik Taylor.

Seven others received the Civilian Service Achievement Medal: Able Seaman Melanie Ausmer, Supply Utilityman Simone Cassells, Ordinary Seaman Jason Chambers, Supply Utilityman Kaylin Hayes, Electronic Technician Jayryan Imbuido, Engine Utility Ardrian Lincoln and Ordinary Seaman Jose Yanez.

Supply Officer Cierra Reed said the award recognised the supply department’s work during replenishment operations.

“Receiving this recognition lets the Supply Department know that the hard work put into underway replenishments, in-port replenishments, fuel movements, and office duties does not go unnoticed,” Reed said.

She said the recognition highlights the supply department’s role in fleet operations and serves as motivation for others.

Reference: US Navy