U.S. Navy to Sideline 17 Ships Due to Merchant Marine Shortage

A critical manpower deficit forces the Navy to redistribute crews and place vessels into extended maintenance.

The Military Sealift Command plans to sideline 17 ships, including replenishment ships, fleet oilers, and expeditionary sea bases.
Merchant Marines, who operate support vessels, are in short supply, impacting Navy logistics.
The 'great reset' initiative aims to address the shortage by redistributing crews to other ships.
This move will reduce Navy demands for officers by 700 mariners.
The Navy's aging fleet and recruiting challenges have exacerbated the manpower issue.