We Are MSC: Third Officer Kendra S. Williams
28 May 2025
WE ARE MSC --
We Are MSC – Third Officer Kendra S. Williams
This week’s “We Are MSC” highlights San Diego, Calif. native Kendra S. Williams, a Third Officer aboard MSC fleet replenishment oiler ship USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204).
What is your current hometown?
Williams: Technically, San Diego, Calif. But I’m a Navy brat and moved around a lot. I studied at SUNY (The State of New York) Maritime College, where I earned my master’s degree and my license in 2024.
What is your current assignment?
Williams: Third Officer aboard MSC fleet replenishment oiler ship USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204).
How long have you worked with MSC?
Williams: I have worked with MSC for about 8 months.
What is your job aboard USNS Rappahannock?
Williams: On the Rappahannock, third officers are in charge of standing navigational watch while out at sea and in port. In port, we are standing by to make sure the proceedings of the day go smoothly and effectively. Our focus when we’re out at sea is safe navigation and safe endeavors with underway replenishment (UNREP) of ships.
What do you enjoy most about working with MSC?
Williams: It never gets boring while doing UNREPs, and I love that. It’s a very small piece of being able to support the deployed vessels. Sometimes when you’re out on the bridge wing and you’re watching the teamwork, watching the team deliver fuel or cargo, I think to myself, “Wow, we’re doing this not at port. We’re doing this while we’re moving. We’re doing this while connected, while we’re out at sea. A lot of people will never experience that.”
What has been your most favorite memory while working at MSC?
Williams: My dad sailed on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural voyage when they were coming out of the shipyard, when he joined the Navy. They sailed it around South America. The very first ship that I was a part of an UNREP was of Abraham Lincoln. I thought that was just a serendipitous occasion.
As a Civil Service Mariner how do you support the MSC mission?
Williams: To enhance readiness, we focus on being where we need to be and when we need to be there; and making sure we are ready, whether if it’s an UNREP, or pulling into a port. You never know what’s going to happen so we’re a little on our toes, but prepared and ready when the call comes.