Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility

• Origins in the Mothball Fleet: The Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF) traces its roots to the "Mothball Fleet" created after World War II, when thousands of surplus ships were placed in reserve for potential future use. • Strategically Located: The three primary NISMF locations are in Bremerton, Washington; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, chosen for their proximity to major naval operations and shipbuilding centers. • Preservation Techniques: Ships in NISMF are carefully preserved using techniques such as dehumidification, sealing of sensitive equipment, and application of protective coatings to prevent corrosion and deterioration. • Ready Reserve Fleet: Some ships in NISMF are maintained in a higher state of readiness as part of the Ready Reserve Force, able to be reactivated within a specified timeframe (often 5-10 days). • Source of Spare Parts: Decommissioned ships in NISMF sometimes serve as a critical resource for spare parts needed to maintain active vessels of the same class. • Historic Vessels: Notable ships such as the USS Missouri (BB-63) and USS Iowa (BB-61) spent time in NISMF before being reactivated or converted into museum ships. • Environmental Stewardship: Modern NISMF operations emphasize environmental protection, including proper removal of hazardous materials and preventing leaks into waterways. • International Aid: Some NISMF ships have been transferred or sold to allied navies, contributing to U.S. foreign policy and strengthening military alliances. • Films and Pop Culture: The "mothball fleet" has appeared in films, documentaries, and television, often used as dramatic backdrops or in stories of reactivated warships. • Shipbreaking and Recycling: NISMF is often the last stop before a ship is scrapped, with many vessels dismantled for recycling, providing valuable metals and materials while following strict environmental protocols.