Strategic Sealift Officers awarded warfare device

Ensigns Brandon Gotha and Forrest Plumer earned their Strategic Sealift Officer warfare device presented by Lt. Cmdr. Joe Kerley. All three members are Strategic Sealift Officers and arrived in Souda Bay, Greece, Oct. 19 on M/V Maersk Valencia where they were serving as the ships Tactical Advisors (TACAD). TACADs embark on vessels under operational control of Military Sealift Command as advisors to the Ship's Master and act as a liaison between the MSC ashore team, U.S. Navy and merchant vessels. Their mission is to communicate intentions with the area commander and securely coordinate ship movements. They can also coordinate escorts and convoys in contested environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Kelly Agee)