We Are MSC: First Officer Mario Bose
18 June 2025
WE ARE MSC --
We Are MSC: First Officer Mario Bose
This week’s “We Are MSC” highlights Houston, Texas native Mario Bose, the first officer aboard fast combat support vessel USNS Supply (T-AOE 6).
What is your current hometown?
Bose: I’ve lived in Houston, Texas for 40-plus years.
How long have you worked with MSC?
Bose: I’ve been employed with MSC for approximately four months; I joined MSC on Jan. 27, 2025. Before becoming employed with MSC, I was semi-retired and had already applied for social security benefits. After working as a self-employed marine contractor since mid-2015, my goal was to expand my experience and contribute to a larger organization. Although I had received a mix of positive and negative feedback regarding MSC, I was also aware of the many improvements in leadership and morale under Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, his commanders, fleet captains, and crews. It was time to discover the organization firsthand for myself.
What is your current assignment?
Bose: My current assignment is USNS Supply (T-AOE 6)
What is your job aboard USNS Supply (T-AOE 6)?
Bose: I am the first officer assigned to USNS Supply (T-AOE 6). While assigned to Supply, my status is trainee. For 30 days, I will be conducting on the job training with Ship Master Capt. Pete Lenardson and Chief Mate Daniel Robinson. I attended the New Employee Orientation (NEO) classes, conducted by the Military Sealift Command (MSC), in Norfolk and Ft. Eustis from January through March 2025. The training program offered a comprehensive overview of maritime operations, encompassing both theoretical and practical aspects. Classes covered a range of essential subjects, including PIC, basic and advanced operations, CMPE, and Stability. In some of those classes, I felt unprepared because the instructor moved quickly through the subjects, and I struggled to keep up.
None the less, the systematic and thorough on-the-job training program provided by MSC is appreciated, which has provided valuable real-world experience alongside Chief mate Dan Robinson – from DHAMs (Department Head Afloat Management) to SAMMS (Safety and Maintenance Management System), from QCMS (Qualifications & Credentials Management System) to ATO/SRF (Anti-Terrorism Officer/Ship Reactionary Force). This is the meat and potatoes and both Chief Mate Daniel Robinson and Ship Master Capt. Pete Lenardson have been patiently showing me the ropes and providing me with hands-on training on a slew of items which are unique to MSC.
Additionally, it is nice to see that MSC is implementing a retention bonus for their long-serving crew members to recognize their service and to retain them as it does take a lot of effort to train new employees and a long time to get them up to full speed.
What do you enjoy most about working with MSC?
Bose: A highlight of being part of MSC is witnessing the positive impact on the USNS Supply crew when it returns to Naval Station Norfolk. The warm reception from MSC personnel, combined with the ability of crew members to be able to go home overnight, significantly boosts morale and creates a more energized work environment.
What has been your favorite memory while working at MSC?
Bose: My most memorable moment as a first officer aboard USNS Supply was when I heard beautiful piano music while walking up the stairs. Cargo Mate Austin Demeritt was playing a portable piano keyboard in his office, with his fingers flying across the keys, like a full on professional. I stopped in awe and listened for a long time. He wasn't reading sheet music or anything like that. He just played right out of his heart. When he stopped playing, he said he just learned to play. That was him being modest. He is a born natural musician. All his parents and siblings play a musical instrument. Music is food for the soul. I could tell Austin was his happiest playing the piano keyboard. Watching Austin's joy while playing the piano keyboard confirmed my own love for music, even if I don't play as often anymore. Another memorable moment occurred aboard the USNS William McLean on April 13th when Chief Mate Joseph Flatley, who had picked me up from the airport the previous day, invited me to join him for church on a Sunday during Lent. This was a significant milestone in my career at sea. There's more and every day brings moments to be remembered fondly.
As a first officer, how do you support the MSC mission?
Bose: It is important to be kind yet firm, treat everyone with respect, and maintain a positive mindset. Moreover, it is vital that I share my knowledge with the crew and be open to learning from them. Last, I believe it is critical that I carry out my duties diligently and responsibly – always leading by example.
As a first officer, I support MSC’s mission by doing my job. United we sail is the ethos. Divided we fail is my add on.