210709-N-UA460-003 SINGAPORE (July 9, 2021) Akira Aranas painted an original birthday card for Military Sealift Command, which celebrated 72 years of service to the Department of Defense, July 9. One of MSC's five commands, MSC Far East, took time to note the occasion. MSC FE ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific region, are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. Military Sealift Command is the leading provider of ocean transportation for the Navy and the rest of the Department of Defense - operating approximately 125 ships daily around the globe.