NAVAL STATION EVERETT — The USNS Sisler returned to Everett Sunday afternoon, filled with vehicles and equipment from Fort Lewis that will be transported to Kuwait and Iraq.
The Sisler, the largest military cargo ship in the world, arrived shortly before 1 p.m. from the Port of Tacoma.
Late last week, the ship was loaded with gear from the 3rd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division, including the Army’s new eight-wheeled Stryker troop carriers.
The Sisler, based in Diego Garcia, first pulled into Everett on Sept. 4. after repairs in Portland, Ore. The ship left Everett to pick up the 3rd Brigade’s vehicles, helicopters and other equipment on Oct. 8.
Troops from Fort Lewis’ Stryker brigade are expected to deploy to Kuwait, and eventually Iraq, in a month or so. Pentagon officials announced in July that the 3rd Brigade would replace troops of the 3rd Armored Calvary Division in Iraq.
Run by a civilian crew of about 30, the Watson-class Sisler is a large, medium-speed roll-on, roll-off ship. The trip to the Persian Gulf will be the Sisler’s fifth to the region since January.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
