AT SEA (Sept. 18, 2025) - Republic of Korea’s Cheonji-class fast combat support ship ROKS Daecheong (AOE-58) connects its fuel line to Military Sealift Command’s commercial charter oiler MT Allied Pacific during a consolidated cargo replenishment (CONSOL) at sea, Sept. 18, in support of Freedom Edge 2025. CONSOL capability is when a specially outfitted MSC-controlled tanker conducts underway refueling operations, transferring fuel and/or cargo to combat logistics-force ships at sea. (Courtesy photo)

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CHINHAE, South Korea (Sept. 17, 2025) – Contracted mariner Mark Harper, left, cargo mate, motor tanker Allied Pacific, shows Republic of Korea (ROK) crew members of ROK Cheonji-class fast combat support ship ROKS Daecheong (AOE-58) the consolidated cargo replenishment (CONSOL) station and describes the process for connecting the span wire/ROBB coupling, during familiarization training, at Chinhae, Sept. 15. CONSOL capability is when a specially outfitted MSC-controlled tanker conducts underway refueling operations, transferring fuel and/or cargo to combat logistics-force ships at sea. (Courtesy photo)

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Freedom Edge highlights trilateral defense cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, demonstrating their ability to achieve peace through strength on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific.

“Every CONSOL with allies and partners demonstrate not just technical proficiency, but the trust and interoperability at the heart of our alliance,” said U.S. Navy Capt. David L. Reyes, commodore, MSC Far East. “It’s important that we continue to build on these efforts—each evolution strengthens our ability to operate together and ensures the fleet remains lethal, resilient and ready in the Indo-Pacific.”

A CONSOL allows a specially outfitted MSC-controlled tanker to conduct underway refueling and cargo transfer operations with combat logistics force (CLF) ships at sea. This capability reduces the need for CLF ships to return to shore for resupply, cutting costs and maximizing time on station to support the fleet.

According to contracted mariner Capt. Edward Markuske, master of MT Allied Pacific, his crew appreciated the opportunity to work with ROK allies.

“They were very professional and committed to completing the mission while alongside our vessel,” said Markuske. “I hope we get more opportunities to work together with our allies in the Far East, because these joint exercises are integral to our ability to work together going forward. Our ship's crew appreciates the sense of purpose that comes from being on mission and a job well done."

This evolution builds on a previous CONSOL between Allied Pacific and Daecheong in June 2025, expanding the ROK Navy’s capacity to sustain fleet operations at sea with fuel, cargo, and stores.

"Collaborating with our international partners to conduct CONSOL exercises enhances the training of our commercial chartered vessels,” said Peter P. Bok, marine transportation specialist, MSC Far East. “The professional development provided to civilian mariners ensures they are prepared to address any potential challenge and maintain peak operational readiness, thereby supporting our Navy's effectiveness during times of conflict, and help ensure their lethality."

MSC Far East supports the U.S. 7th Fleet and ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region are manned, trained, and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.