He changes ships about once a year making it difficult to keep up. I only see my son a couple of times a year and MSC owns him. He likes changing ships as it gives him a chance to learn new systems but he's getting tired of not having his own life. I thought it might be the wrong one as the ship I posted earlier is older and a war ship. MSC ships are normally private vessels leased to the navy or built and owned by the navy as support ships with a compliment of both civilian and military personnel. The earlier photo was was specifically built as a war ship.

He said the 'Richard E Bird was almost new and since he's on a supply ship here's the correct one. Also the link says it's an MSC ship in the South Pacific. Not as impressive for sure but just as important.

In regards to not having a life. This is from the linked website.

Family readiness. RICHARD E BYRD is a forward deployed vessel. While our official homeport for pay and entitlements is San Diego, we will rarely venture out of Seventh Fleet and our forward operating base in Guam. MILDET enlisted orders are written for twelve months in recognition of this high operational tempo. Therefore, it is critical that you plan with your family for extended periods at sea. Preparation of a will, power of attorney and discussing family finances beforehand is strongly encouraged. Your local NLSO and Fleet and Family Service Center can assist you. Advance planning at the outset will mitigate emergencies later, while out of port, that harm morale and degrade readiness. We are required to be deployable on short notice.

http://www.msc.navy.mil/Byrd/