United States Transportation Command

WASHINGTON (USTCNS) --- "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood..." The poem "The Road Less Traveled" by Robert Frost is about choices.

When choices have to be made, Navy Lt. Larry Krull, the officer in charge of the military department aboard USNS Yukon, does not stand long. He acts.

After graduating from Orange Park High School in 1979 in Orange Park, Fla., Krull enlisted in the Navy under the delayed entry program. He started his career at operations specialist A school. This choice had the markings of a career with ample travel and access to many different naval platforms.

Throughout his career, Krull has been an assiduous student of tactics and operations.

"I am a World War II buff. Being in Pearl Harbor is a constant reminder of our naval heritage," said Krull looking out of his stateroom toward the Arizona Memorial and the battleship Missouri, the "Mighty Mo."

The trend continued during his latest assignment aboard USNS Yukon, where the indefatigable officer in charge keeps expanding the learning curve of his troops daily.

Krull can be seen instructing his staff in various areas of military operations throughout the day. He is known to spot-check his sailors on general military topics, the engineering status of the ship and the newest ship to be commissioned.

"This man does not stop! He's worn me out!" said a newly reported Sailor aboard Yukon.

"I have been on every kind of U.S. Navy ship there is," commented Krull, who plans to join his wife and two children upon retirement in San Antonio, Texas.

With Krull's experience as a former tactical action officer and as a surface warfare officer, he has made the military department an efficient group that interfaces with naval units from the United States and foreign countries.

"Signals have to be given correctly and in a timely manner," remarked Krull. "Mistakes can be catastrophic in this kind of job."

"Our job is to ensure the job is done safely," commented Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Riley the leading operations specialist working directly for Krull.

Suddenly, "OIC, Duty Mildet" is heard on the radio. Krull is being called to attend to one of the multitude of duties for which he is responsible.

"Go," said Krull. His radio response sums up this seasoned officer's attitude and vision of command at sea. "No matter the path, make a choice; be a traveler. Go!" seems to be the unspoken rule for Krull.

Military Sealift Command, the ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense, operates about 110 noncombatant Navy ships. MSC ship missions vary from the transport and afloat prepositioning of defense cargo; to underway replenishment and other direct support to Navy ships at sea; to at-sea data collection for the U.S. military and other U.S. government agencies.

(FROM MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

USNS Yukon's OIC: A man of action

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