USNS Sisler (T-AKR 311)

- Military Sealift Command -

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USNS SISLER is the second WATSON - class large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship (LMSR) and the first ship in the Navy named after U.S. Army 1st Lt. George K. Sisler.

General Characteristics:	Awarded: October 20, 1994
	Keel laid: April 15, 1997
	Launched: February 28, 1998
	Delivered: December 1, 1998
	Builder: National Steel and Shipbuilding, San Diego, CA
	Propulsion system: two GE Marine LM gas turbines
	Propellers: two
	Length: 951.4 feet (290 meters)
	Beam: 106 feet (32.3 meters)
	Draft: 34.1 feet (10.4 meters)
	Displacement: approx. 62,970 tons full load
	Speed: 24 knots
	Aircraft: helicopter landing area only
	Armament: none
	Capacity: 393,000 sq. ft. (more than 900 vehicles including tanks and trucks)
	Crew: 26 civilian crew (up to 45); up to 50 active duty
	Homeport: Diego Garcia

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USNS SISLER. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

Click here to view the list.

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About the Ship's Name:

USNS SISLER is named in honor of U.S. Army 1st Lt. George K. Sisler, (1937-1967), a native of Dexter, Mo. Sisler, born in Dexter, Mo., Sept. 19, 1937, was assigned to U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces as a military intelligence officer. 1st Lt. Sisler distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Sisler was the platoon leader/adviser to a Special United States/Vietnam exploitation force. While on patrol deep within enemy dominated territory, 1st Lt. Sisler's platoon was attacked from three sides by a company-sized enemy force.

1st Lt. Sisler quickly rallied his men, deployed them to a better defensive position, called for air strikes, and moved among his men to encourage and direct their efforts. Learning that two men had been wounded and were unable to pull back to the perimeter, 1st Lt. Sisler charged from the position through intense enemy fire to assist them. He reached the men and began carrying one of them back to the perimeter, when he was taken under more intensive weapons fired by the enemy. Laying down his wounded comrade, he killed three onrushing enemy soldiers by firing his rifle and silenced the enemy machine gun with a grenade.

As he returned the wounded man to the perimeter, the left flank of the position came under extremely heavy attack by the superior enemy force and several additional men of his platoon were quickly wounded. Realizing the need for instant action to prevent his position from being overrun, 1st Lt. Sisler picked up some grenades and charged single-handedly into the enemy onslaught, firing his weapon and throwing grenades. This singularly heroic action broke up the vicious assault and forced the enemy to begin withdrawing. Despite the continuing enemy fire, 1st Lt. Sisler was moving about the battlefield directing force and several additional men of his platoon were quickly wounded. His extraordinary leadership, infinite courage, and selfless concern for his men saved the lives of a number of his comrades. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the military service.

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USNS SISLER Image Gallery:

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the SISLER at Norfolk, Va., on September 6, 2022.

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