Capt. Terry A. Rycenga ’81

Captain Terry Alan Rycenga, United States Merchant Marine (Ret.), 66, a highly respected Master Mariner and Commanding Officer in the United States Navy’s Military Sealift Command Combat Logistics Force fleet, crossed the final bar on March 13, 2026, peacefully at home in Palm City, Florida, surrounded by the love of his family and closest friends.
Captain Rycenga was born and raised in Grand Haven, Michigan, where he excelled at basketball in high school, regularly competing on the court against future NBA legend Magic Johnson. It was there that he also developed his early love for the sea. In 1981, he graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation and an Unlimited Third Mate’s License. He immediately began his service to the Nation with Military Sealift Command as a Third Officer aboard the replenishment oiler USNS MARIAS (T-AO 57), one of the early Navy vessels transferred to civilian mariner operation under Military Sealift Command. He steadily advanced through the ranks of Military Sealift Command, culminating in his promotion to permanent Master in 1997 during a nearly thirty-year career.
His first command at sea was the combat stores ship USNS SATURN (T-AFS 10), which deployed to the Mediterranean in support of U.S. naval operations. Captain Rycenga would go on to command several of the Navy’s most critical logistics vessels, including the ammunition ship USNS MOUNT BAKER (T-AE 34); fleet replenishment oilers USNS PATUXENT (T-AO 201), USNS BIG HORN (T-AO 198), and USNS JOHN LENTHALL (T-AO 189); as well as the hospital ship USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20).
In May 2000, Captain Rycenga was hand-selected as the first Military Sealift Command Master to lead the historic transition of the Navy’s fast combat support ships to civilian mariner operation, beginning with USS SUPPLY (AOE-6). He formally assumed command in May 2001 when SUPPLY became the first of those ships to enter service under Military Sealift Command. Captain Rycenga later shared that he had been told the success or failure of that first deployment would determine whether the entire program would continue. Characteristically, he carried that responsibility quietly and never passed the weight of it down to his officers. Just months after he assumed command came the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Under Captain Rycenga’s
leadership, SUPPLY deployed as the fast combat support vessel for the nine-ship USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) Carrier Battle Group during the opening operations of the United States’ military response. During that deployment Captain Rycenga and his crew executed an extraordinary replenishment evolution in which SUPPLY simultaneously conducted six connected stations to the aircraft carrier—three double-probe fueling rigs and three full cargo transfer stations—while also supporting two helicopter vertical replenishment operations. Delivering fuel, ammunition, and stores to the carrier simultaneously in this manner required exceptional shiphandling, precision coordination, and logistical acumen—representing one of the most demanding underway replenishment evolutions ever conducted at sea.
The battle group commander, Admiral Joseph Sestak, was so impressed with Captain Rycenga’s leadership and the performance of SUPPLY that he directed commanders in theater that SUPPLY would be the only replenishment ship permitted to come alongside the carrier. Admiral Sestak famously remarked that SUPPLY must accompany the carrier everywhere because “the gun cannot be too far from the holster.” At the conclusion of the successful ten-month deployment, the carrier escorted SUPPLY to her home port—an extraordinary gesture of respect for the ship and her captain.
Following this assignment, Captain Rycenga served ashore as Port Captain for Military Sealift Command, acting as the lead Master responsible for overseeing the Masters of the Command’s underway replenishment fleet.
In 2004, he was again hand-selected for another historic assignment: command of the lead ship of a new class of dry cargo and ammunition underway replenishment vessels, USNS LEWIS AND CLARK (T-AKE 1). Captain Rycenga and his carefully selected crew guided the ship through construction, christening, launch, and final completion of the build, once again helping shape the future of the Navy’s logistics fleet.
In recognition of his operational service at sea, Captain Rycenga received two Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals for deployments supporting Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as the Global War on Terrorism Civilian Service Medal and Cold War service
recognition, reflecting decades of service supporting United States naval operations around the world.
Throughout his career, Captain Rycenga earned a reputation as a calm, fair, and steady Commanding Officer. He led without raising his voice, commanded through example, and treated every mariner with dignity and respect. Crewmembers often remarked that they wanted to perform well simply because they did not want to disappoint him. Among those who sailed with him, it was often said that Captain Rycenga was that rare Master for whom no one ever had a harsh word. He mentored many officers who later rose to command themselves, teaching them never to give an order that could not be enforced, that a Master must first be an expert in every deck officer’s position, that we serve at the pleasure of the Command, and that true leadership begins with personal example. He was known for his extraordinary generosity to fellow mariners and friends, often opening his home to those in need and allowing shipmates to stay there for as long as they required—even during the many months he himself was away at sea.
Captain Rycenga is survived by his mother, Brenda, and stepfather, John Fuchs; his sister, Sherry Riggs; brother-in-law Greg VanCura; his nephews and niece, Richard Riggs (Chelsea), Christopher Riggs (Maria), and their children Riley, Penelope, and Benjamin; and Jennifer (Riggs) Shiflett (Jeremy) and their children Julia, Jeremy Jr., and Jemma. He is also survived by his closest lifelong friends, CAPT Sean P. Tortora, USMS; Kelly Smiecinski, retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class; and Chief Engineer Chris Mudry, who stood by him throughout his life and maritime career.
Those who sailed with Captain Rycenga remember him as a steady and trusted Master, whose quiet leadership earned the loyalty and respect of every crew he commanded. Officers who later rose to command their own ships first learned what it meant to be a Master under his guidance, and the standard he set on the bridge will remain with them throughout their careers.
Above all, Captain Rycenga will be remembered for the life he lived with enthusiasm and generosity—his pioneering maritime career, his devotion to family and friends, and his enduring love of the sea and of life itself.
Fair winds and following seas on your final voyage, Captain