Former Sea Scout Keeps Sealift Ship Safe

Courtesy Photo | Chief Mate Rebecca Main is responsible for all cargo-handling operations aboard Military Sealift Command’s surge sealift ship USNS Fisher (T-AKR 301). The ship transports rolling stock and containers in support of Department of Defense sealift missions in the Indo-Pacific Region. (Photo by Cmdr. Dawn Hansen)  

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

10.26.2021

Story by Leslie Hull-Ryde 

Military Sealift Command Far East

Youth-focused experiences are often the first exposure some civil service mariners have to their future careers.

That’s certainly the case for Rebecca Main who currently serves as the chief mate aboard USNS Fisher (T-AKR 301).

Although not by design, most of her life, Main has worked toward becoming a chief mate. It’s an important job as she’s charged with safely conducting all cargo operations on Fisher.

“My primary concern is the stability of the vessel,” Main says.

To that end, she meticulously plans and efficiently executes the loading and unloading of Fisher’s cargo. In addition, she supervises training and ensures necessary maintenance on all the cargo-related equipment.

While she has the title and responsibility of chief mate, Main works closely with the ship’s boatswain’s mate and members of Fisher’s deck department to make it all happen.

“It takes a team to accomplish the mission,” she says.

Her entre into the world of service at sea began when she joined the Sea Scouts as a student. According the organization’s website, it teaches young people about the United States’ maritime heritage, water safety and boating skills.

Later on, Main became a launch boat operator at a yacht club in Massachusetts. Her experiences there sparked an interest the Massachusetts Maritime Academy at Buzzards Bay, Mass. The Minnelo, Florida, resident graduated from the academy in 2008.

Since then she’s served the Department of Defense’s sealift missions around the world.

USNS Fisher is part of Military Sealift Commands surge sealift fleet and transports DoD’s rolling stock and containers throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.

Military Sealift Command Far East ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific region, are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.

Task force commanders employ these ships to ensure mission accomplishment.

As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

Military Sealift Command is the leading provider of ocean transportation for the Navy and the rest of the Department of Defense - operating approximately 125 ships daily around the globe.

Editor's note: Cmdr. Dawn Hansen contributed to this story.

• Date Taken: 10.26.2021
• Date Posted: 10.26.2021 04:43
• Story ID: 407595
• Location: U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY