We Are MSC: 3rd Asst. Engineer Thomas A. Brindley
29 April 2025
WE ARE MSC --
I wanted to work on the water with boats or ships. I was looking into the marine industry and I saw that the maritime schools can put you into a really good career. When I was at SUNY Maritime, I joined ROTC because I really liked the idea of the Navy, and I wanted to do merchant marines, as well. I found out about MSC during my time at school and cadet-shipped with them on USNS Big Horn. I loved it. I had a lot of fun. After that, I knew I wanted to work for MSC. So far, it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve learned a lot out here.
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We Are MSC - 3rd Asst. Engineer Thomas A. Brindley
This week’s “We Are MSC” highlights Barnegat Light, New Jersey native Thomas A. Brindley, the 3rd Asst. Engineer aboard fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199).
What is your current hometown?
Barnegat Light, New Jersey; graduate of Southern Regional High School, Manahawkin, New Jersey; State University of New York (SUNY), Maritime College.
What is your current assignment?
Fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199)
How long have you worked with MSC?
Brindley: I have worked with MSC for one year and one month.
What is your job aboard USNS Tippecanoe?
Brindley: On the tankers, 3rd Engineers are duty engineers, I make sure all my machinery are running normal. I maintain air compressors, sewage system, potable water system, and all the oil systems here.
How did your MSC career begin, what got you interested?
Brindley: I wanted to work on the water with boats or ships. I was looking into the marine industry and I saw that the maritime schools can put you into a really good career. When I was at SUNY Maritime, I joined ROTC because I really liked the idea of the Navy, and I wanted to do merchant marines, as well. I found out about MSC during my time at school and cadet-shipped with them on USNS Big Horn. I loved it. I had a lot of fun. After that, I knew I wanted to work for MSC. So far, it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve learned a lot out here.
What do you enjoy most?
Brindley: On the tankers, when you’re not on duty, if you can sit outside and watch the sunset while underway; it’s really cool, there’s nothing else like it.
How do you support the MSC mission?
Brindley: As a 3rd Asst. Engineer, I support the MSC mission during UNREPs. The engineers have to prepare early get the plant ready for the UNREP. The UNREP is a very high electrical load and we have to make sure everything is online.