MARAD signs 20 contracts totaling $6.2B for Ready Reserve Force

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently signed 20 contracts totaling $6.2 billion for the management of its Ready Reserve Force (RRF).

RRF provides strategic sealift support for the rapid deployment of U.S. military forces and equipment during conflicts, crises and emergencies.

The 10-year contracts cover activation, deactivation, crewing, logistics support, maintenance, management, operation, and repair of RRF vessels. Fifty-one vessels were referenced in the contracts and include aviation maintenance vessels, auxiliary crane ships and roll-on/roll-off vessels.

“Our contracts with seven ship managers will ensure the fleet stays ready, reliable, and responsive,” Acting Administrator of the Maritime Administration Sang Yi said. “MARAD has a tremendous responsibility to maintain the RRF so that during critical military, humanitarian, and natural disaster operations, Americans can rely on these vessels for logistics support.”

RRF ships are moored at a combination of government and commercial facilities strategically selected by military planners. The MARAD-owned, contractor-operated vessels can be activated within five days for worldwide deployment. Ships in priority readiness are staffed with maintenance crews of approximately 10 merchant mariners. Additional mariners are added once a ship is activated.

The RRF is part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet and is a key component of the Department of Defense’s strategic sealift capability.