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On-Line Archive From August 1999 |
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March 2004
On-Line Edition
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| Study documents value of Ready Reserve Force |
| Fleet attained 98.2 percent reliability rate during sealift for Operation Iraqi Freedom |
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The civilian-manned U.S. Ready Reserve Force sealift fleet proved its value during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, according to a study released Feb. 6 by the Maritime Administration. All reserve ships held in reduced operating status with officers and crews aboard were activated on time, and the fleet operated at an overall "reliability" rate of 98.2 percent, according to the study. "Challenges" that did arise were unrelated to vessel management and operation. In all, 36 RRF ships were called up between June 2003 and September 2003--30 roll-on/roll-off ships, three break-bulk freighters, two aviation support ships, and one auxiliary crane ship. These vessels were supplemented by four RRF vessels already pre-positioned overseas. American Maritime Officers represented the licensed personnel on 16 of the activated ships and on the four pre-positioned vessels. AMO represents the engine, deck and radio-electronics officers on 39 of the total 72 ships in the reserve fleet, which is managed for MARAD by U.S.-flag ship operators. Once underway, the ships are controlled by the Navy's Military Sealift Command. |
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