Auxiliary Vessels (Used Sealift)

The Auxiliary Vessels (Used Sealift) program is a Navy initiative under the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy appropriation, focused on recapitalizing the U.S. surge sealift fleet. The primary objective is to procure and upgrade used commercial vessels to support the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) Recapitalization program. This effort is essential for maintaining the nation's strategic sealift capability, which enables the rapid deployment of military equipment and supplies during major ground combat operations.

The program aims to address the aging RRF fleet, which consists of 48 government-owned ships with an average age of 43 years. Many of these vessels have exceeded their expected service life, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced operational readiness. The Navy, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD), plans to replace at least 18 ships over the next five years to mitigate the risk of sealift capacity shortfalls.

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the Auxiliary Vessels (Used Sealift) line item requests funding to procure one used sealift vessel. This funding supports the contract award, purchase, and necessary modifications to ensure the vessel meets military requirements. This procurement will bring the Navy to the maximum number of used ships authorized by law.

The program's procurement process involves identifying suitable used commercial vessels, conducting on-site surveys, and awarding contracts for purchase and conversion. The vessels are then delivered to MARAD, where they undergo post-delivery modifications, regulatory overhauls, and outfitting to prepare them for operational readiness. Recent procurements have focused on acquiring sister ships to those already integrated into the RRF, which streamlines maintenance and training requirements.

Strategic sealift is a vital component of U.S. power projection, as approximately 90% of Marine Corps and Army combat equipment is transported by sea during surge deployments. The RRF, managed by MARAD and operated under the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), is structured to support the initial surge of U.S. combat forces worldwide. By recapitalizing the RRF with newer, more reliable vessels, the Navy helps ensure that the Joint Force can meet its global deployment requirements.

In previous fiscal years, the program procured and delivered several used vessels, which have contributed significant cargo capacity to the RRF. Vessels purchased in recent years have provided hundreds of thousands of square feet of capacity, with additional ships expected to add more once modifications are complete. These acquisitions support the program's objective of sustaining and enhancing the nation's surge sealift capability.