SIU members participated in a significant military support exercise earlier this month. The Gopher State, operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine and crewed by SIU and AMO members, played a key role in the event.
Cargo handlers from Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) and Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One (NCHB-1) conducted a vertical launch system rearm between SS Gopher State (T-ACS 4) and USS Farragut (DDG 99). This was part of the Large Scale Exercise 2025 (LSE 25), demonstrating the importance of expeditionary logistics in maritime operations.
“The ability to conduct safe and efficient vertical missile rearm at sea is a critical warfighting enabler,” stated Lt. Cmdr. John Sefcik, weapons officer aboard Farragut. “What NAVELSG brings to the fight is a highly trained team capable of executing these complex operations in dynamic maritime environments — and that directly increases the fleet’s lethality and operational reach.”
The Gopher State used its heavy-lift cranes to transfer missile canisters to Farragut’s VLS cells, marking a first-of-its-kind rearm at sea. Crane operators and cargo handlers from NCHB-1 executed this demonstration, showcasing their unique logistics capabilities.
“This keystone event was enabled by integrating units of action within NAVELSG’s dynamic rearm-refuel-resupply portfolio,” commented Command Master Chief Chad Elliott, NAVELSG. “The evolution was accomplished by units comprised of active duty, Training and Administration of Reserve (TAR), and Selected Reserve Sailors working side by side to accomplish a critical task — a total Navy team effort.”
This operation was one among many events contributing to LSE 25, which aims to enhance joint force agility and strengthen allied interoperability across all domains. NAVELSG’s participation highlighted the importance of integrated logistics in modern naval warfare.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the Navy’s ability to evolve and maintain our warfighting advantage,” said Rear Adm. Charles Kirol, commander, NAVELSG. “Rearming warships at sea is a capability that adds significant complexity for those who choose to challenge us in conflict.”
NAVELSG remains dedicated to advancing its capabilities for dynamic force employment, delivering logistics efficiently wherever required.
