THE NATIONAL DEFENSE RESERVE FLEET IS THE NAVY'S BACKUP PLAN
The United States isn’t an island, but we have two giant oceans on each side and a notable body of water, the Gulf of Mexico, in the South. This makes it very reasonable to expect that our Navy assets are a high priority. Throw in a variety of worldwide responsibilities featuring too many bodies of water to list, and it becomes even clearer. But what happens if our fleet needs assistance? Whether it be because of warfare or an unforeseen catastrophic emergency, the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) is in place just in case. However, this idea in principle may be more reassuring than it is in reality, as numbers keep falling. But make no mistake about it, the NDRF is there to serve if needed, even if not officially a part of the U.S. Navy. Related read: Everything You Never Knew About Fleet Week
What is the National Defense Reserve Fleet?
Operating as the National Defense Reserve Fleet, inactive vessels owned by the government are still available for emergency use. This may be for war or emergencies, but the NDRF is available for a variety of jobs and has been used during notable events. The Maritime Administration (MARAD), an entity under the Department of Transportation (DOT), manages the fleet. Although the NDRF may be called up for emergency defense, they are distinct from the U.S. Navy reserve fleets. NDRF vessels have been used in a variety of wars and crises, such as the Korean War, the Berlin Crisis, Vietnam, and the closure of the Suez Canal. Within the NDRF is the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), consisting of around 70+ vessels. Since 1976, these ships have been reserved for rapid military equipment deployment, and 28 ships are held by MARAD for other Government agencies on a cost-reimbursable basis. You can find America’s National Defense Reserve Fleet at the following locations, waiting to serve if needed:
- Beaumont, Texas (Beaumont Reserve Fleet)
- James River, Virginia (James River Reserve Fleet)
- Suisun Bay, California (Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet)
- Various other designated sites on an as-needed basis
In 1950, the National Defense Reserve Fleet inventory was around 2,277 ships. Since its peak at that time, the NDRF’s number of vessels has dwindled significantly. Today, there are believed to be no more than 100 ships at its disposal. Suggested read: Here are the Complicated Rules for Choosing Navy Ship Names
Determining the Fleet
Vessels of military or logistic value are preserved to be a part of America’s National Defense Reserve Fleet, or "ghost fleet." There is a retention program in place to maintain the original condition of the ships that are up to the task, using measures like dehumidification and anodes to prevent corrosion. Cosmetic work is often deferred as it doesn't affect functionality, and MARAD is authorized to dispose of merchant-type vessels through the NDRF program. States can also request vessels for artificial reefs. So far, at least 51 have been transferred to 10 states. Some non-retention vessels are being prepared for disposal and during this process, the NDRF allows the transfer of artifacts and ships to memorial associations. Inactive naval ships may be laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet during overcrowding. As far as military vessels, such as battleships, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, these ships may be transferred to various MARAD locations. The U.S. Navy is in charge of deciding whether or not a ship is no longer needed along with handling the transfer of the title to MARAD.
The Greatest Threat to the National Defense Reserve Fleet is Time
The DOT entity has first disposition rights, including conversion to the RRF, sale for scrapping, and acquiring supply ships. In 1959, the Suisun Bay location housed 324 ships for the fleet, but over the next four decades, that number was reduced by approximately 250. This reduction was in part because of concerns surrounding pollution due to toxic paint flaking off the ships' hulls, containing lead, copper, zinc, and barium. By June 2007, about 21 tons of toxic paint debris had settled in the bay sediment, with an additional 65 tons at risk of flaking off. MARAD acted to remove the most polluting ships first and aimed to clean the rest. Around 52 problematic ships were scheduled for removal and recycling by September 2017. Due to toxic concerns over the years and natural wear and tear, the NDRF fleet numbers have continued on a downward trend. Again, vessels remain and are fit for duty, but the number of them is at a low point. A review was conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) about the NDRF and its future. As the fleet is the sole source of reserve dry cargo shipping during military or commercial shipping crises, it's important to secure the logistics of our national defense and various emergency response scenarios. While it has performed well in the past two decades, DoD requirements now demand faster reactivation times, and the reduction in the fleet vessels along with insufficient readiness for activation are persisting issues. A program to improve 30 Victory ships for faster readiness has been sponsored to meet immediate needs. To enhance NDRF's response to future contingencies, additional funding is recommended. Other recommendations include continuous fleet review, consolidation of data into a single National Defense Reserve Fleet profile, identification of spare parts sources, inventory maintenance, and long-range plans for acquiring ships. Read next: Why Don’t Sailors Ever Wash Their Navy Coffee Mugs?
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER