MarAd's RRF receives title to 8 fast sealift ships

The U.S. Maritime Administration on Wednesday received the title to eight fast sealift ships, officially completing the transfer of the ships to the Ready Reserve Force.

The eight ships -- Algol, Altair, Antares, Bellatrix, Capella, Denebola, Pollux and Regulus -- were once part of the Navy's Military Sealift Command.

Fast sealift ships are the fastest cargo ships in the world, capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. For example, the ships can sail from the U.S. East Coast to Europe in just six days and to the Persian Gulf via the Suez Canal in only 18 days.

MarAd said combined the eight fast sealift ships are able to transport nearly all the equipment needed to outfit a full mechanized Army division.

The were put into the Ready Reserve Force because of the proven efficiencies and cost-effectiveness of the Ready Reserve Force ship management program, MarAd said.