tour of duty in the Caribbean supporting US ships in drug interdiction efforts.

The 40,000 ton multi-commodity vessel is capable of providing its users with a wide range of products including 7.2 million gallons of ship and jet aircraft fuel, 450 tons of dry and frozen foods and 600 tons of ammunition.

The ship, which was launched in 1964, can also carry 1,000 measured tons of Fleet Freight on her cargo and main decks.

By working with other fleet commodity ships, Milwaukee can literally re-supply an entire battle group by herself.

"Utilising a combination of alongside and vertical replenishment techniques, the (ship) is capable of transferring 750,000 gallons of fuel and 250 measured tons of material an hour,'' a Navy pamphlet said.

Milwaukee has a long history including tours off the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam, in the Mediterranean supporting the Marines in Lebanon and the 127-ship "Display of Determination'' off Libya in November, 1986.

In her work off the coast of Lebanon, Milwaukee did front line duty, supporting the amphibious task force which remained on station for months.

The ship has a complement for 27 officers, 25 chief petty officers and 499 enlisted men. The crew during a typical six-month tour of duty will consume 15,000 gallons of fluids, 11,000 dozen eggs and 84,650 pounds of meat.

AT ANCHOR -- The USS Milwaukee rests at anchor just off the US Naval Annex in the Little Sound.