Strategic Sealift Officer Essay

What do you do in the Navy? For some, the answer can be as simple as “I fly planes” or, “I drive ships.” If the answer is, “I’m a Strategic Sealift Officer,” you may have some more explaining to do. Whether its family, friends, or other sailors, I have yet to find a solid “one-liner” explanation of what my Navy job is going to be, but that may not be such a bad thing.
Strategic Sealift Officers must earn and maintain two things: a reserve commission and a Coast Guard license as a deck or engine officer. They sail on their license for a portion of the year, while also completing annual Active Duty for Training. They are restricted line officers, designator 1665, serving in IRR capacity. But again, what do they do? The sailor who says “I drive ships” doesn’t just drive a ship, and a pilot doesn’t just fly a plane. They serve a purpose; they have an individual mission that supports the Navy’s. Strategic Sealift Officers have a mission, which also naturally supports the Navy.
From 1941 to 1945, the United States toiled with the widest spread global war in history. With the earth divided into two theaters, the need for rapid sealift was recognized more than ever. Troops,
"The Strategic Sealift Officer Program (SSOP) supports the national defense sealift requirement and capabilities, as executed by Military Sealift Command. The SSOP provides naval reserve officers who are licensed merchant marine officers with sealift, maritime operations, and logistics subject matter expertise." (OPNAVINST 1534.1D) Furthermore, the necessity of sealift is recognized in United States code, stating the need for a strong combined sea force. “The United States Navy and the merchant marine of the United States should work closely together to promote the maximum integration of the total sea power forces of the United States.” (46 USC