The U.S. military is calling for the acquisition of 10 used cargo ships to reinforce its aging fleet responsible for global logistics and military support operations.
During a recent Senate hearing, concerns were raised about the declining readiness of the maritime transport fleet, which plays a critical role in moving equipment and supplies during conflicts or crises. Officials highlighted that the median age of the fleet’s roll-on/roll-off vessels is nearly five decades, with several ships surpassing 50 years in service, some still operating on outdated steam propulsion systems.
To address this challenge, efforts are underway to modernize the government-owned sealift fleet by acquiring used commercial vessels. Seven ships have been purchased so far, with two more expected to join in the next fiscal year. This expansion is projected to add over 1.5 million square feet of operational capacity.
However, with 30 vessels slated for retirement between 2026 and 2034, military leadership stresses the urgency of securing additional ships. The proposed purchase of 10 more vessels is seen as essential for maintaining global deployment capabilities and ensuring strategic readiness.
Fleet modernization is part of a broader initiative to sustain military mobility and logistics capabilities in an increasingly complex global landscape. Rising competition from foreign adversaries, particularly those investing heavily in infrastructure influence and supply chain disruptions, has further underscored the importance of strengthening transportation assets across air, sea, and land operations.
Beyond sealift concerns, attention has also been drawn to aging aerial refueling tankers, with calls to accelerate the deployment of modern replacements to support air mobility operations. These efforts collectively aim to enhance operational readiness, deter potential threats, and ensure continued strategic flexibility in responding to global challenges.
