San Diego (Dec. 6, 2006) - After officially christening the newest resupply ship, Military Sealift Command (MSC) advanced auxiliary dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), she is launched into the San Diego Bay during a christening and launching ceremony held at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). The Shepard is named after Rear Adm. Alan Bartlett Shepard, who was the first American astronaut in space and the fifth person to walk on the moon. The Shepard is the third of the USNS ships named after great explorers. Its primary mission will be to deliver ammunition, fuel, food and other supplies to combat ships at sea.