What types of ships does the MSC operate that carry the designation "T" before their hull numbers?

The designation "T" before hull numbers signifies that the ships operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) are primarily crewed by civilians. These vessels play a critical role in supporting U.S. military operations and logistics, and they are utilized to transport supplies, equipment, and personnel. Civilian crews operate these ships, which allows for a cost-effective and flexible means of supporting military needs without relying solely on military personnel.

This designation distinguishes these ships from others that may be fully operated by military personnel or serve in different capacities, such as foreign naval vessels or purely civilian passenger ships. By utilizing civilian crews, the MSC can provide a reliable service while ensuring that military personnel are available for more operationally focused tasks.