FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. National Response Forces Foundation Confirms 501(c)(3) Status, Names Veteran Leader Captain Charles “Buck” McDermott as Founder and CEO

CHESAPEAKE, VA — The U.S. National Response Forces Foundation (USNRFF) is proud to announce the formal confirmation of its 501(c)(3) non-profit status, a pivotal milestone in the organization’s mission to transform the nation’s underutilized maritime assets into a permanent, civilian-led “Global Force for Good”. By securing this status, the Foundation is now legally positioned to lead a historic transition: converting the nearly one billion dollars in annual taxpayer expense currently used to maintain idle government vessels into a self-sustaining, mission-ready disaster response fleet.

Visionary Leadership and Founder Information

The U.S. National Response Forces Foundation was founded by Captain Charles “Buck” McDermott, a veteran leader with a unique cross-section of expertise in military strategy, merchant marine operations, and federal emergency management. Captain McDermott is a retired captain in the U.S. Merchant Marine and a Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve. His academic and strategic background is equally distinguished, as he is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College Senior Course and the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies.

McDermott’s vision for the Foundation was born from his research on national security and civilian capability integration, notably published in the Joint Force Quarterly. His proposal to establish National Response Platforms (NRPs) seeks to solve the "strategic tension" between military sealift requirements and civil humanitarian needs by creating a dedicated, non-defense-strategic fleet that can respond to crises without compromising the readiness of the primary battle fleet.

Transforming a $974 Million Liability into a National Asset

The Foundation’s strategic plan centers on securing 53 vessels from the Ready Reserve Fleet (RRF), which currently cost the federal government approximately $974 million annually to maintain in a largely inactive state. Under Public Law 108-136, Section 3512, the federal government is authorized to transfer these National Defense Reserve Fleet vessels to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations specifically for humanitarian missions.

"By establishing this non-profit model, we are not just asking for a budget; we are offering a solution to a chronic fiscal drain," stated Captain McDermott. "We intend to convert these ships into floating warehouses that deliver 'Disaster Relief from the Sea,' ensuring America is prepared both at home and abroad".

Unmatched Humanitarian and Operational Capability

Once activated, these National Response Platforms will provide a scale of relief that far exceeds existing airlift or ad-hoc commercial shipping models. Key targets for the fleet include:

• Rapid Deployment: Reducing activation time from the current five-day standard to a 3-day target.

• Massive Sustenance: The capability to house 20,000 personnel and deliver 100,000 meals per day during acute crises.

• Modular Innovation: Utilizing modular hospital containers, high-capacity power generation, and water production systems to turn a cargo ship into an independent response node.

• Infrastructure Independence: Leveraging onboard 110-ton cranes to offload life-saving heavy equipment, such as dozers and scrapers, in areas where port infrastructure has been destroyed.

Rebuilding the Maritime Workforce

Beyond disaster response, the Foundation addresses the critical national shortage of 1,800 licensed mariners. By partnering with the six state maritime academies, the National Response Platforms will serve as continuous training vessels. The revenue generated from these educational partnerships is projected to cover 50% of the fleet's operational costs, while simultaneously creating a "floating billboard" for maritime careers to inspire the next generation of "Citizen Sailors".

Phased Implementation and Global Soft Power

The USNRFF is currently executing Phase 1 of its roadmap, which includes formalizing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with federal agencies such as FEMA, NOAA, and the Department of Homeland Security. The ultimate goal is to create a "Whole-of-Nation" approach that links disaster relief with Diplomacy, Development, and Defense (D4).

"When our ships sail away from a host nation, our impact stays behind," McDermott added. "By leaving U.S.-manufactured supplies and infrastructure in place, we build long-term global resilience and open future markets for American industry".

About the U.S. National Response Forces Foundation (USNRFF): The U.S. National Response Forces Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the U.S. merchant marine and maritime industry while transforming the nation’s response to global crises. Headquartered in Chesapeake, VA, the Foundation serves as a bridge between government mandates and private sector innovation.

Contact: U.S. National Response Forces Foundation Info@USNRFF.org www.USNRFF.org

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