Friends and families bid farewell to the crew of Logistic Support Vessel-2, the U.S. Army Vessel CW3 Harold A. Clinger, here June 6 as the Hawaii-based Army Watercraft System began its first trans-Pacific voyage in support of Pacific Pathways 15.2.

Pacific Pathways 15.2 is the third iteration of the U.S. Army Pacific-directed concept that involves joining multinational partners to conduct a three-part series of military exercises intended to increase readiness across the region through additional training and strengthened partner-force relationships.

"The LSV and what it brings as an expeditionary, self-sustaining capability is critical in the region," said Maj. Gen. Edward F. Dorman, commander of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command and the Army's senior logistician in the Pacific. "As good stewards, we want to ensure that we exercise and operate all of our capabilities, and we have these watercraft capabilities that work well with our joint services and partner nations, so working together helps us expand our abilities, builds relationships and leads to a more stable and secure region."

During Pathways 15.2, the LSV, crewed by 30 Army mariners from the 8th Theater Sustainment Command's 605th Transportation Detachment, will provide sustainment support to the 25th Infantry Division's 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team by transporting over 7,500 square feet of cargo and equipment from exercise to exercise across the Pacific waters, said Capt. John Tansioco, the 545th Transportation Company commander.

The vessel's cargo deck is designed to hold any vehicle in the U.S. Army inventory, and comparable vehicles in sister services and partner nation militaries. The flat bottom boat can carry up to 15 M1 Abrams main battle tanks, or 82 standard containers, which is the equivalent of 17 C-17 aircraft loads. It has both bow and stern ramps for roll-on and off operations and can also beach itself to load or discharge cargo over the shore in as little as four feet of water.

Tansioco said that prior to departing, "the crew's families and friends were welcome to board the vessel, tour the staterooms, and see where their loved ones would work and live for the next five months."

During the voyage, the LSV will travel to Australia for Talisman Sabre 15, Indonesia for Garuda Shield 15, and Malaysia for Keris Strike 15, conducting cargo loading/unloading and transport operations.

Last year, LSV-2 also participated in the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise, demonstrating its capability to conduct casualty evacuation, shipboard aerial resupply, and Logistics over the Shore operations.