COMPSRON THREE
As part of the Navy's strategic sealift capability, Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron 3 (COMPSRON THREE) is responsible for the operation and administrative support to non-combatant ships of the Military Sealift Command Prepositioning Program in the Western Pacific Ocean. These time-chartered ships carry afloat prepositioned U,S, military cargo for the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army. The Squadron's mission is to provide sea transportation of vital equipment and supplies to a designated area of operations.
MPSRON THREE also has operational control of Combat Prepositioning Force or CPF and Logistics Prepositioning Ship. Combat Prepositioning Force ships provide quick-response delivery of U.S. Army equipment for ground troops. Logistics Prepositioning Ships do the same for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency. On a routine basis, COMPSRON THREE assumes or relinquishes operational control of these ships to its sister COMPSRON TWO squadron to ensure that the correct mix of ships are available around the world. At any time, one or all of COMPSRON THREE's assigned CPF or Logistics Prepositioning Ships may be deployed to missions around the globe.
Additionally, the Squadron can be tasked as the SORTIE Commander ahead of a major Typhoon in order to have all ships in the expected affected area to depart safely and to a safe haven to ride out the storm. While as the SORTIE Commander the Squadron will work directly with all Commander, Task Force 73’s vessels throughout the AOR including Guam, Saipan, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. The Squadron could also have its ships assigned to conduct Humanitarian efforts post a major disaster. MPSRON THREE's command is headquartered onboard Naval Base Guam - Joint Region Marianas. Currently the USNS Watkins (T-AKR 315) is designated as the commands Flagship.