Pasha Hawaii's MV Jean Anne delivers 13 Black Hawks 25th ID.

Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines gave a little sealift to the 25th Infantry Division's airlift Jan. 15 with the delivery of 13 Black Hawk helicopters aboard the MV Jean Anne.

This was the first aircraft move for the 579-foot pure car truck carrier, originating at National City Port in San Diego and offloading at Pearl Harbor shipyard.

According to Gayle Murphy Burns, manager for Pasha Corporate Marketing, this is an exciting time for the company. "This is truly unique cargo that we are grateful to have a part in delivering."

On hand to ensure safe offload of the new equipment were members of the 599th Transportation Group, 2-25 Aviation Battalion, and 209th Aviation Support Battalion.

The work was efficient for the Soldiers because of the vessel's distinctive totally-enclosed decks and rollon/roll off capability. The helicopters were simply loaded with their blades folded back for ocean transport, saving the unit preparation time during the upload and offload processes.

"The ability of the vessel to carry the aircraft with minimal alterations ensures a faster turn-around for the helicopters into operational use," said Chief Warrant Officer Kelly Leonard, 209th Aviation Support Battalion maintenance safety officer.

The 13 helicopters delivered to Hawaii are part of the 25th ID's transformation into a Stryker Brigade Combat Team and will be operated by the 2-25 Aviation Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th ID, Schofield Barracks.

As a result, Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines' makes a timely arrival to the market. The Jean Anne will be putting her fully adjustable, enclosed decks to full use on trade lanes from the Mainland to Hawaii for military and commercial operations. The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command uses Pasha's services in accordance with the standard bid process, and will utilize the vessel for some of the needs within the Pacific Command Area of Responsibility.

"The entrance of Pasha into the Hawaiian market truly enhances the capabilities we offer to the warfighter," said Don Dellinger, Universal Service Contract Quality Assurance Office representative based at the 599th Transportation Group, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii.

The Jean Anne, equipped with a 100-ton stern ramp, has the ability to move all types of wheeled and tracked military vehicles, including the M1 tank. The vessel can achieve service speeds of 20 knots and carry more than 3,000 vehicles on 10 cargo decks. Additionally, the Jean Anne was recently recognized by Professional Mariner as the Ship of the Year.

In a news release, PHTL President George Pasha IV, said the company is very proud. "The ship was nationally recognized for its ability to carry vehicles, cargo and over-high-and-wide items efficiently, quickly and safely between the West Coast and Hawaii."

Story and photos by Robyn Mack, Command Affairs Specialist 599th Transportation Group