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| USNS Charles Drew | |
|---|---|
| Ship name | USNS Charles Drew |
| Ship class | Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship |
| Ship builder | National Steel and Shipbuilding Company |
| Ship launched | 2010 |
| Ship commissioned | 2010 (non-commissioned service) |
| Ship displacement | 41,000 tons (full load) |
| Ship length | 689 ft |
| Ship beam | 106 ft |
| Ship propulsion | Diesel-electric |
| Ship speed | 20 kn (max) |
| Ship sponsor | Family of Charles R. Drew |
USNS Charles Drew is a United States Naval Ship in the Lewis and Clark class of dry cargo and ammunition ships operated by the Military Sealift Command. The ship supports United States Navy logistics, underway replenishment, and sustainment operations for fleet units, integrating with task forces, carrier strike groups, and expeditionary units. Built for the United States Department of Defense by National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California, the vessel entered service to provide underway replenishment across theaters such as the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.
The design derives from the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship program overseen by the United States Navy and Military Sealift Command acquisition offices, following requirements set by Military Sealift Command (MSC) and Naval Sea Systems Command. Construction began at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company yards in San Diego, using modular fabrication techniques influenced by Maritime Administration practices and lessons from the T-AKE program. Keel laying, hull erection, and outfitting phases mirrored processes used on sister ships such as USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE-1), USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2), and USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE-3), with systems integration coordinated with contractors including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and suppliers from the American Bureau of Shipping certification network. Sea trials validated diesel-electric propulsion, cargo handling, and replenishment-at-sea gear against standards in International Maritime Organization conventions and SOLAS regulations.
The ship is named for Dr. Charles R. Drew, the prominent African American surgeon, researcher, and educator noted for work on blood banking and transfusion during World War II. The naming followed traditions of honoring explorers, scientists, and medical pioneers on Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship hulls, echoing names like USNS William McLean (T-AKE-12) and USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE-3). Dedication ceremonies included representatives from institutions associated with Drew such as Howard University, Red Cross, and medical schools that emphasize his legacy, with participation by officials from the Department of the Navy and members of Drew's family.
USNS Charles Drew has operated under Military Sealift Command in support of United States Fleet Forces Command, United States Pacific Fleet, and United States Central Command logistics missions. Deployments have included replenishment operations with Carrier Strike Group 3, underway logistics with Amphibious Ready Group elements, and sustainment missions supporting operations in areas of interest to United States European Command and INDOPACOM. The ship’s operational tempo has placed it alongside units from allied navies such as the Royal Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy, and Republic of Korea Navy during multinational exercises like RIMPAC, UNITAS, and NATO logistics drills. Coordination has involved tasking authorities including U.S. Transportation Command and liaising with Defense Logistics Agency offices.
Designed for underway replenishment, USNS Charles Drew features multiple fueling stations, cargo holds, and vertical replenishment capabilities supporting CH-53 Sea Stallion-class and MH-60 Seahawk rotorcraft operations. The ship includes modern cargo handling systems, refrigerated storage consistent with Royal Fleet Auxiliary standards, and automation derived from T-AKE specifications to transfer munitions, provisions, and spare parts. Its diesel-electric propulsion, bow thrusters, and maneuvering systems enable station-keeping for replenishment-at-sea governed by Naval Sea Systems Command procedures. Communications suites integrate secure links compatible with Naval Tactical Data System protocols and share tactical logistics information with platforms including Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Ticonderoga-class cruiser, and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock units.
Operated by a primarily civilian crew under Military Sealift Command, staffing includes licensed mariners from Seafarers International Union, contracted civilian mariners affiliated with American Maritime Officers, plus mission-specialist military personnel during surge operations. Onboard complements include deck officers, engineering teams, supply officers, and medical technicians with liaisons from Naval Supply Systems Command and Fleet Logistics Centers. The ship embarks Navy personnel for underway replenishment operations, integrating procedures taught by training centers such as the Center for Naval Engineering and Naval War College logistics curricula when supporting complex tasking.
Notable deployments include logistics support during multinational exercises like Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and contingency operations in the Horn of Africa and Persian Gulf, partnering with units tasked by United States Africa Command and United States Central Command. The vessel participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions that coordinated with United States Agency for International Development and United Nations logistics cells. Any reported incidents prompted investigations by Naval Safety Center and reviews within Military Sealift Command and Naval Sea Systems Command oversight frameworks, following protocols established after past maritime incidents involving auxiliary vessels globally.
Crews and the ship have been eligible for unit awards administered by the Department of the Navy and recognitions from organizations such as the Maritime Administration and American Legion for support to operations and humanitarian missions. Honors often reference collaborative achievements with partner navies including the Royal Canadian Navy, Philippine Navy, and Royal Netherlands Navy, acknowledging logistics excellence during exercises and operational deployments.
Category: Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ships Category: Auxiliary ships of the United States Navy