The Merchant Marine Is Of Critical Importance Says US SECDEF Mattis At Kings Point Graduation

Don’t know, politics. MARAD has the MSP, Marine Security Program, ships that are considered "militarily useful get so-called “slots” which entitles them to the ODS payments.

Companies control the slots, if a ship with a slot is flagged out another approved ship has to be flagged in.

Military likes the PCTCs. I’ve been sailing them for 20+ years.