Arctic was built by National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California. Since 14 June 2002, Arctic has been operated by the Military Sealift Command, homeported in Earle, New Jersey. As a U.S. Naval Ship, Arctic no longer carries the weapons systems she previously (as USS Arctic) was equipped with. One of these systems was the Phalanx CIWS. Like other fast combat support ships, she is part of MSC's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force. USNS Arctic's cargo capacities: USNS Arctic's refueling rigs can pump fuel at a rate of per minute.