NWS19oct-4. Former USS Santa Barbara joins Military
Sealift Command
by Military Sealift Command Public Affairs
     WASHINGTON (NWS) -- Military Sealift Command (MSC)
has added USNS Santa Barbara (T-AE 28) to its combat
logistics fleet.
     The ammunition ship -- which has provided more than
28 years of logistics service to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet
 -- was decommissioned at Naval Weapons Station
Charleston, South Carolina on Sept. 30.
     When Santa Barbara was an active Navy ship, she
made numerous deployments, participated in operation
Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and earned multiple
citations including four Battle "E" Awards and three
Meritorious Unit Commendations.
     "I want to assure you that we will take care of
Santa Barbara and allow her to continue serving the Navy
and her country," said Capt. Patricia McFadden,
Commander, MSC, Atlantic.
     For now, Santa Barbara is in a reduced operating
status in Charleston, S.C., with a small caretaker crew
aboard until it is decided when the ship will undergo
conversion modifications.
     MSC operates 33 combat logistics ships, worldwide,
providing fuel, ammunition, spare parts and other
supplies that enable the Navy fleet to remain at sea for
long periods of time.