What is the designation for non-commissioned ships with civilian crews in the military sealift command?

The designation for non-commissioned ships operated by civilian crews within the Military Sealift Command is indeed USNS, which stands for United States Naval Ship. This designation is specifically used for vessels that are not commissioned in the Navy but are still owned and operated by the U.S. Navy for various logistics and support roles, such as transport of supplies and military equipment.

These ships play a crucial role in supporting naval operations, enabling the military to maintain a presence or deliver resources where needed without the full crew and operational obligations associated with commissioned ships. This allows for flexibility in military operations, as these vessels can carry out missions without being classified as warships.

In contrast, the USN designation refers to United States Navy ships that are fully commissioned and operated by naval personnel, while USS designates specific commissioned vessels of the United States Navy. USCG denotes vessels operated by the United States Coast Guard, which has a different mission and operational focus. Hence, the correct designation for non-commissioned ships with civilian crews is USNS.