Marge Holtz, spokeswoman for the Military Sealift Command, said the shipment had "absolutely nothing" to do with preparations for possible deployment of peacekeeping forces to war-torn Liberia.

"It's only 8,000 square feet and it's going to Dakar, Senegal. It's not going anywhere near Liberia," she told AFP.

The notice seeking bids listed "West Africa" as the destination of the shipment from western Spain.

Holtz said the shipment was in support of a long scheduled exercise by Navy Seabees based in Rota, Spain.

"It's Seabees equipment, and the reason they list ammunition is because they carry small arms. All Seabees are armed," she said.

The notice calls for a combination roll-on, roll-off and container ship capable of carrying an assortment of rolling stock and up to 30 20-foot containers.

The ship must be available to load August 3 for a ten-day voyage, according to the navy's "request for proposal."

WAR.WIRE