National Defense Reserve Fleet

The National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) is a group of ships owned by the U.S. government, maintained for national defense and emergency response. Created during the Cold War, these vessels can be quickly activated and used by the U.S. military or for humanitarian efforts in times of crisis. The fleet includes a variety of ships, such as cargo and tanker vessels, strategically stored to support both military operations and to assist in disaster relief or other emergencies. The NDRF ensures that the country has the maritime capacity needed to respond swiftly in various situations.