Part 3: Close-Up Talk Radio welcomes back Captain Susan Orsini

Incline Village, NV – When Navy ships at sea are in need supplies like fuel, those supplies are delivered by a vessel from Military Sealift Command.

Captain Susan Orsini is a 25-year veteran of the Merchant Marine and the second female master in the history of Military Sealift Command. Military Sealift Command is the leading provider of ocean transportation for the Navy and the rest of the Department of Defense, operating over 100 ships daily around the globe.

“We’re the logistics force,” says Captain Orsini. “Wherever the Navy is, that’s where we are. We contribute a lot and we’re not known, that’s why they call us the Invisible Service.

No shipping outfit can offer the variety of vessels offered by Military Sealift Command – tugboats, salvage ships, ammunition ships, hospital ships or multi-purpose vessels – each vessel has its own unique function within the fleet. And because mariners who work for MSC are working for the Department of the Navy, they can earn the same recognition their Navy brothers receive, including medals for service and even medals for supporting the global war on terrorism.

“We are doing something important, “says Captain Orsini. “Wherever we go, we make a contribution to ensure our troops have what they need. It’s very gratifying and you won’t find that in commercial fleet.”

It’s easy to feel isolated on a ship even though you’re surrounded by so many people. It’s easy to feel underappreciated. That’s why Captain Orsini takes crew morale very seriously.

“Mariners are loyal and incredibly generous so I’m most proud of being able to take care of the people who work for me,” says Orsini. "I’m proud of the ship and I want to build other people’s pride in the ship.”