Temporary Pier in Gaza

On March 8, the US announced it would build a temporary pier in Gaza to assist in delivering humanitarian aid. To date, a fleet of 8 vessels have left port in the US.

Aside from their origin and mission, the common factor for all 8 vessels is their advanced age. Uncoincidentally, only 5 of 8 vessels (62.5%) made their voyage on schedule--

1. USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (age 39)

2. USAV Monterey (age 32)

3. USAV Matamoros (age 32)

4. USAV SP4 James A. Loux (age 30)

5. MV Roy P Benavidez (age 21)

As for the 3 delayed vessels: the USAV General Frank S. Besson Jr. (age 36) had an 8-day stopover in the Azores; the USAV Wilson Wharf (age 34) has been in Tenerife for 13 days and counting; and the USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (age 39) had an engine fire and was forced to return to Jacksonville.

The expected useful life of a commercial vessel is 25 years, and on average this 8-ship fleet was built 33 years ago. These issues during this mobilization are a fresh reminder that it is past time to revitalize US shipbuilding and renew the US fleet.

Thank you to Salvatore Mercogliano, Ph.D. for his reporting on the status of this mission.