How Many Ships are in the U.S. Navy Reserve Fleet?
The United States Navy Reserve Fleet, also known as the Mothball Fleet, is a group of ships that have been placed in reserve and are stored in various locations around the world. The purpose of the reserve fleet is to provide a readily available supply of ships in case of an emergency or war.
What is the Mothball Fleet?
The Mothball Fleet was established in 1945, shortly after World War II, to store surplus ships that were no longer needed for active duty. The fleet was created to save money by not having to maintain and operate a large number of ships, while still having a pool of vessels available in case of an emergency.
How Many Ships are in the U.S. Navy Reserve Fleet?
As of 2022, the U.S. Navy Reserve Fleet consists of 135 ships, including:
- Aircraft Carriers: 4
- Cruisers: 12
- Destroyers: 14
- Submarines: 4
- Amphibious Ships: 22
- Landing Ships: 13
- Tankers: 10
- Support Ships: 20
Breakdown of Ships by Class
Here is a breakdown of the ships in the U.S. Navy Reserve Fleet by class:
| Class | Number of Ships |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Carriers | 4 |
| Cruisers | 12 |
| Destroyers | 14 |
| Submarines | 4 |
| Amphibious Ships | 22 |
| Landing Ships | 13 |
| Tankers | 10 |
| Support Ships | 20 |
Where are the Ships Stored?
The U.S. Navy Reserve Fleet ships are stored in various locations around the world, including:
- Suisun Bay, California: 55 ships
- Bremerton, Washington: 23 ships
- Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: 15 ships
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 12 ships
- Mayport, Florida: 10 ships
- Bangor, Washington: 8 ships
- Port Hueneme, California: 6 ships
- San Diego, California: 5 ships
- Other locations: 11 ships
What is the Purpose of the Mothball Fleet?
The primary purpose of the Mothball Fleet is to provide a readily available supply of ships in case of an emergency or war. The fleet is designed to:
- Provide a quick response: The Mothball Fleet can quickly respond to an emergency or war by deploying ships to active duty.
- Save money: By not having to maintain and operate a large number of ships, the Navy can save money and allocate resources more efficiently.
- Support national security: The Mothball Fleet is an important component of the U.S. Navy’s ability to defend the country and protect its interests.
Conclusion
The U.S. Navy Reserve Fleet, also known as the Mothball Fleet, is a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s ability to respond to emergencies and protect national security. With 135 ships stored in various locations around the world, the fleet is ready to quickly respond to any situation that may arise.
