The U.S. paid $5 million each to keep 60 commercial ships under its flag in 2018; Defence can call on every vessel during war or a national emergency

In March 2018, the US government approved a $300 million program to support commercial vessels for defense strategies. This Maritime Security Program provides $5 million annually to each of the 60 participating ships. Operators must keep vessels under the US flag and make them available during national emergencies. The program aims to maintain the availability of trained American mariners and commercial infrastructure.