We Are MSC: Second Officer/Navigator Zachary Morrison
03 February 2026
WE ARE MSC --
We Are MSC – Second Officer/Navigator Zachary Morrison
This week’s “We Are MSC” highlights Albuquerque, New Mexico native Zachary Morrison, the Second Officer/Navigator aboard mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20).
What is your hometown?
I was raised in the high-desert landscape of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the largest body of water, the Rio Grande, can occasionally run dry. I spent summer vacations there with my family. It is the place where my love for water was born. These family trips instilled in me a deep appreciation for the ocean and its power, ultimately motivating me to seek an education where I could fully immerse myself in the world of currents and conduits. As a result, I pursued and gained admission to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, located at the base of Cape Cod.
How long have you worked with MSC?
After I graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, I joined Military Sealift Command as a Third Officer. Since 2021, I’ve served aboard a variety high performing MSC platforms, including dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear, expeditionary mobile base ship USS Hershel "Woody" Williams, and now the mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort. My work aboard different vessels exposed me to a variety of mission sets and a diverse range of tasks, which significantly developed my skills and expertise. The teams I worked with were exceptional, making each experience both rewarding and productive.
What is your current assignment?
I currently serve as the Second Officer/Navigator aboard the USNS Comfort, one of two hospital ships operated and maintained by MSC’s civil service mariners. My first day was especially memorable; as the hospital ship passed through the historic Panama Canal during its 2025 Continuing Promise Mission, I was completely blown away by the giant locks. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience. During the mission, the Comfort provided medical, dental, and other services to thousands of individuals across six countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
What is your job aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20)?
As Second Officer/Navigator, I have several key responsibilities, from leading bridge watchkeeping to developing voyage plans. I also ensure the crew is proficient with all bridge equipment and procedures. During our 2025 CP mission, I successfully provided vessel familiarization and information to the medical training facility team – all of which was critical for their mission planning and execution.
What do you enjoy about working with MSC?
Working for MSC is most enjoyable because of the many opportunities to perform diverse missions all over the world. Our assignments are varied, taking us wherever the Navy needs support, not just back and forth between two points. This gives us constant, close interaction with warships and provides unparalleled opportunities to experience new countries and cultures. In truth, joining MSC has been the most rewarding thing I could have ever dreamed.
What has been your favorite memory while working at MSC?
Travelling around the world has been very enjoyable. Conning ships and managing their movement through international ports, including sensitive operations alongside naval aircraft carriers, warships, and submarines was also very memorable. However, if I were to choose one memory as my favorite, it would be the ship’s 2025 CP mission. Our cargo was neither ammunition nor food to deliver to Navy ships. Our cargo was a 1,000-bed hospital ship complete with doctors, nurses, medical technicians, operating rooms and all the necessary medical equipment. There were also dentists, veterinarians, construction workers and even a band on board. Being able to see the impact we had on the residents of the places we visited, with the services we provided, is something I will remember with pride for my entire life.
How do you support MSC's mission?
I support MSC's mission by training the new mariners who come onboard to perform their duties to the best of their ability. My objective is to help them advance in the company through the successful performance of the duties of each position they hold. Mentoring new employees aids their development while strengthening my own skills and leadership capabilities.