U.S. Orders Large-Scale Turbo Activation Exercise of Ready Reserve Force Ships

gcaptain ^ | Sept. 17, 2019 | Mike Schuler

[rockinqsranch]

The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered a large-scale turbo activation of ships in the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force fleet.

The turbo activation is part of a large-scale activation exercise ordered by the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) on September 16. The activation calls for a total of 28 RRF fleet vessels to transition from reduced operating status to fully crewed and full operating status within 5-days. Activations are commonly followed by immediate sea trials.

[rockinqsranch]

The three vessels to the left in the photograph appear to be Ro Ro conversions of the former Sealand container vessels known as SL-7's. One of those vessels, I believe the McLean holds the ocean crossing record to Japan to this day (something along the lines of four days, 18 hours, about that). These ships are 946 ft, in length, and can travel at 38 mph. Burned too much fuel, and Sealand negotiated for the government to buy the ships for the ready reserve force.

[Steely Tom]

Just the normal ebb and flow of the training cycle, nothing to be concerned about I’m sure.

[BradyLS]

I dunno. They used the word ‘turbo.’ Sounds series.

[NorthMountain]

Interesting article (as usual for gCaptain). It says there was a negative report on readiness earlier this year … maybe they’re shaking things up. Most Americans will NEVER know the vast extent to which the 0bama regime damaged and degraded our national security apparatus.

[Steely Tom]

[VietVet876]

Smoke on the water. Fire in the skies.

[Steely Tom]

I remember that in the run-up to the launch of operations in Afghanistan (and then Iraq) several Navy captains were dismissed; one (IIRC) failed a "light-off test" of his ship, which I believe was an aircraft carrier, possibly the John F. Kennedy.

At the time, people here on FR speculated that a message was being sent to all Navy personnel — including especially commanders — that fun and games were over.

[shanover]

Can’t wait for Space Force turbo activation!

[BeauBo]

No reports of a Military mobilization to load those ships.

It could be a general purpose readiness exercise.

It could be preparation for a big Foreign Assistance Program (Venezuela?).

It could be a longer term preparation for a planned or potential Military deployment.

[Fai Mao]

My British SOn-in-LAw told me the Royal Navy looked the plans for those fast container ship as a possible conversion into an aircraft carrier.

They built the QE class ships instead

[Sequoyah101]

Pretty impressive. It has taken me longer to recommission my swather, rake and baler from storage than it will take them to recommission these ships.

[DIRTYSECRET]

Whatever happened to this frigates in Suisin Bay near Vallejo, Ca?

[Mariner]

Most of these ships are pre-loaded with equipment and supplies.

5 days to call up the crew, 12-15 days to transit somewhere. they’re pretty fast ships.

Then fly in the troops

[rockinqsranch]

Interesting. Thank you.

[fatman6502002]

I think something big is going to go down relatively soon. That’s the only reason any of these ships would have to be activated; if the Pentagon is anticipating the need for extra transport capacity in a hurry.

[IronJack]

Does that mean the Iowa is going to plow some water again?

Just kidding. But it would be magnificent to see the old gal put to sea once more ...

[rockinqsranch]

“.....maybe they’re shaking things up. Most Americans will NEVER know the vast extent to which the 0bama regime damaged and degraded our national security apparatus.”

Agree. Interesting the July operation, and now this two months later. Almost like somebody didn’t get it right the first time. Lots of money spent on this.

[Mariner]

“We understand that the this most recent activation – exercise or not – is the largest since the Persian Gulf War in 1990 and the invasion of Iraq in 2003.”

[dhs12345]

Lol. Reminds me of the Turbo button on early PCs.

[DannyTN]