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National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF)

A crane leans over a fleet of vessels.

American Ships. American Crews. American Jobs.

As part of its Strategic Sealift operations, MARAD manages and maintains a fleet of inactive, Government-owned vessels known as the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF), which provides a reserve of approximately 100 vessels -- mostly military-useful cargo and tanker ships -- ready to support national defense and emergencies. The NDRF also includes the military-focused Ready Reserve Force (RRF) and facilitates vessel loans, donations, and disposals, as well as artifact management and merchant marine training.

Click here for details about the fleet and its related services.

Questions?

For questions about the NDRF or RRF, contact the Office of Sealift Support.

Last updated: Wednesday, June 17, 2020