MARAD makes organizational changes

MAY 19, 2013 — The U.S. Maritime Administration has announced an organizational realignment to strengthen its ability to ensure the nation has sufficient capability to meet sealift needs during conflicts or national emergencies.

The former Office of National Security is now the Office of Strategic Sealift, with three areas of focus; Federal Sealift, Commercial Sealift, and Maritime Workforce.

Federal Sealift continues to be responsible for Ready Reserve Force vessels, Emergency Preparedness and the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

Commercial Sealift will coordinate both the Cargo Preference and Maritime Security Programs.

The Office of Maritime Workforce Development will evaluate mariner training needs, and enforce service obligations for maritime academy graduates.

MARAD says the realignment “synchronizes the activities that support the vessels and crews that play a key role in our nation’s economic and national security.”