National Defense Reserve Fleet

1. Including the Ready Reserve Force, a fleet composed of ships acquired and maintained by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) for use in mobilization or emergency.
2. Less the Ready Reserve Force, a fleet composed of the older dry cargo ships, tankers, troop transports, and other assets in MARAD's custody that are maintained at a relatively low level of readiness. They are acquired by MARAD from commercial ship operators under the provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 and are available only on mobilization or congressional declaration of an emergency. Because the ships are maintained in a state of minimum preservation, activation requires 30 to 90 days and extensive shipyard work, for many. Also called NDRF. See also Ready Reserve Force.