sealift

[ see-lift ]

noun

1. a system for transporting persons or cargo by ship, especially in an emergency.
2. the act of transporting such persons or cargo.

verb (used with object)

1. to transport (persons or cargo) by sealift.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sealift¹

First recorded in 1955–60; sea + (air)lift

Example Sentences

In 1985, for example, a Military Sealift Command ship was dedicated to him in Sparrows Point, Md. It was used to support a Marine brigade in the Indian Ocean until 2009.

From Los Angeles Times

Measurements of the vessel match known features of the Benavidez, a Bob Hope-class vehicle cargo ship operated by the Military Sealift Command.

From Seattle Times

Several Army vessels and Miliary Sealift Command ships are already in the Mediterranean Sea, and are working to prepare and build the platform and pier.

From Seattle Times

Miller said a larger Maritime Sealift Command ship will also be leaving Virginia in the coming days, and will be carrying some of the bigger equipment and more of the steel pier segments.

From Seattle Times

And in the coming days, U.S. troops will begin loading the equipment onto a large Military Sealift Command vessel.

From Seattle Times