The only active naval vessel capable of laying and repairing undersea fiber optic cables. One of the few white-painted ships in the MSC fleet, featuring strict OPSEC protocols and a unique mission unlike any other.
Military Sealift Command operates the USNS Zeus (T-ARC 7), the only active naval vessel capable of laying and repairing undersea fiber optic cables, and one of the few vessels in the MSC GOGO fleet painted white. The Zeus is an old ship and an assignment like no other in MSC.
The USNS Zeus can lay 1,000 miles of undersea cable at depths of up to 9,000 feet before needing to resupply. Due to the sensitive nature of its missions, operational security (OPSEC) is taken very seriously.
Undersea fiber optic cables are critical infrastructure that enable global communication by transmitting data across continents under the oceans.
These cables carry most international internet traffic, including phone calls, emails, and financial transactions. An estimated $10 trillion in financial transactions occur daily via these cables.
Governments and militaries rely on these cables for secure communication. Disruption or tapping would be a severe breach of national security.
Explore: View the Submarine Cable Map →
To protect the location of undersea cables, the ship "goes dark" during missions, eliminating all outgoing transmissions.
No internet connectivity, emails, or phone calls are allowed during missions.
Strict rule prohibiting cell phone use on deck while working—all cell phone usage must occur inside the skin of the ship.
The USNS Zeus is equipped with several large drums used to store cable. Cable is paid out of these drums to the ocean floor. In conjunction with cable operations, the Zeus conducts ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operations.
Can lay 1,000 miles of cable at depths up to 9,000 feet
Conducted by onboard contractors to locate and repair cables
DP system keeps the ship stationary without anchors during cable ops
CIVMARs navigate to the last known position of the cable needing repair and enter Dynamic Positioning. Contractors drop the ROV over the side, let it sink to the bottom, and search for the cable. Finding the cable can take anywhere from a couple hours to a couple days. Live video footage of the ROV can be seen from screens on the bridge.
Unique Crew Mix: The Zeus has a diverse crew including MSC mariners, a security detachment, and specialized cable contractors who handle the ROV and cable repair operations.
CIVMARs have mixed opinions about assignments to the Zeus. Few CIVMARs have been assigned due to it being the only vessel of its kind.
Information compiled from MSC sources and mariner experiences. Details may vary by vessel and operational status.
