Major Henry C. Wayne embarked on an important maritime mission with the USS Supply as part of a broader effort to utilize camels for military and logistical purposes in the United States. The initiative was proposed during a period when the U.S. government sought to improve its capabilities to manage the transportation needs in the expansive deserts of the southwestern territories, particularly for the U.S. Army. The idea of incorporating camels, known for their endurance and ability to traverse difficult terrain, came from the belief that they could replace horses and mules in arid environments, greatly enhancing supply and troop movement capabilities. Major Wayne was an Army officer who had recognized the potential of camels in such conditions.The expedition embarked from New York City and headed towards the Middle East to acquire camels, specifically to collect them from regions like the Barbary Coast and parts of Persia. Upon their arrival, Wayne and his crew faced the challenge of not only procuring sufficient quantities of camels but also ensuring that they could be effectively trained for military use in the U.S. Once secured, these camels would be transported back to the United States, where they were expected to be acclimated into the U.S. military logistics framework.The establishment of the U.S. Camel Corps, although ambitious and reflective of forward-thinking strategies of that era, was ultimately met with mixed results. The camels were utilized in several operations but faced various challenges, including lack of proper training, issues of temperament, and the changing dynamics of the military’s transportation strategies. Wayne’s mission remains a notable, albeit unconventional, attempt to adapt alternative modes of transport into military operations, showcasing the inventive spirit of 19th-century American military logistics.