Gen. Reed Seeks 10 More Ships for Arctic Wars, Replacing Old Steamers

On March 5, 2025, Air Force General Randall Reed, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, D.C., to discuss TRANSCOM’s budget request for fiscal year 2026 and its Future Years Defense Program.

A key focus of his testimony was the urgent need to bolster the nation’s sealift capacity, as he requested authority to acquire an additional 10 used cargo ships beyond the current statutory limit of 10.

Reed emphasized that this expansion is critical to maintaining the U.S. military’s ability to project power globally, particularly as 54 percent of government-owned sealift ships are projected to reach the end of their service life by 2032. He argued that these additional vessels, which could be refurbished in U.S. shipyards within 9 to 14 months, would enhance TRANSCOM’s readiness to support American forces overseas in potential conflicts, aligning with broader efforts to strengthen the nation’s maritime capabilities amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Replacing Military Steam Ships

In addition to the sealift expansion, General Reed highlighted TRANSCOM’s preparations for emerging strategic challenges, notably in the Arctic region, where he outlined plans to collaborate with the Navy and Air Force to prepare for potential Arctic wars, with a specific focus on Alaska. This preparation reflects the increasing importance of the Arctic as a contested domain, driven by climate change opening new shipping routes and intensifying competition with nations like Russia and China. Reed’s testimony underscored the need for enhanced mobility, like getting rid of the Navy’s steam ships for upgraded ships and the Air Force’s airlift and refueling capabilities for wartime in the Arctic.

His budget request for FY 2026 aims to ensure that TRANSCOM can sustain its global mobility posture, adapting to both traditional and emerging theaters of operation while addressing the wear on its aging fleets, including air refueling and strategic airlift assets critical to Arctic operations.