Report on use of commercial contracting agent for crewing and operation of military sealift command vessels

(a) In general Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Navy, in consultation with the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the use of a commercial contracting agent for the crewing and operation of military sealift command vessels. (b) Elements The report required under subsection (a) shall contain each of the following: (1) An assessment of whether the crewing and operation of military sealift command vessels through the use of a commercial contracting agent would mitigate the shortage of civilian mariners and increase availability of military sealift command vessels. (2) Any examples of operations within the Military Sealift Command being carried out through a contract, as of the date of the enactment of this Act. (3) An identification of potential cost savings associated with the crewing and operation of military sealift command vessels through the use of a commercial contracting agent. (4) An identification of specific military sealift command vessels or missions that may be suitable for crewing or operation through the use of a commercial contracting agent.