Source: United States Navy
Five auxiliary break-bulk ships are U.S. Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force ships that can be quickly activated to support military sea transportation needs. Three of these converted container ships are rigged to perform underway replenishment with Navy surface ships. Two are designed to carry lighterage that serves to deliver onboard cargo directly to shore. When activated, all come under operational control of Military Sealift Command. One, SS Cape Jacob, is activated and permanently assigned to MSC prepositioning duties.