
Ships and ships backup fleet. Sesun Bay, California
In the Ministry of Transport, the potential shortage of seamen for the reserve fleet is attributed to a decrease in the total number of vessels that can be brought to meet military needs. The number of vessels flying the American flag is steadily decreasing, which leads to a decrease in the number of sailors who have US citizenship.
In the American Accounting Chamber, it is noted that the decline in the number of vessels flying the US flag is associated with the high cost of their operation. At the same time, experts hope that the US Department of Transportation, which is responsible for the US reserve fleet, will develop measures to increase the number of civilian sailors who will be involved in the performance of military tasks when military operations begin.
The reserve fleet of the US National Defense consists of "mothballed" ships, mainly merchant ships, which can be activated for 20-120 days. Used to deliver military or civilian cargo to the United States. Subordinate to the Maritime Administration of the US Department of Transportation.