Dispersed Agile Logistics in a Contested INDOPACOM Area of Responsibility
Abstract
The U.S. Navy has enjoyed relatively uncontested sealines of communication since the end of World War II. In todays geo-political environment, China seeks to assert itself as a global power, putting U.S. naval logistics at risk. Through a network of capabilities, including the employment of Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBM), China has effectively created an Anti-Access/Area Denial environment in the South China Sea (SCS). The current logistics concept of operations is not sufficient to sustain ships with the required fuel to maintain a continuous force projection posture in the SCS because the Navy's technological and practical inability to defend against Chinese ASBMs. Furthermore, a direct conflict with China, will result in substantial losses to both personnel and material. The current inventory of Combat Logistics Force (CLF) oilers and the Maritime Administrations Ready Reserve Force will not meet the demand. Though logistics for the fleet encompasses a wide range of needs, this argument presented here, focuses solely on the sustainment of petroleum products and the use of oilers (T-AOs and T-AOEs). To compete in an A2/AD environment in the SCS, the U.S. Navy will need to pull back outside the first island chain and develop a dispersed agile logistics concept of operations to deliver fuel to random fuel rendezvous points based on date time groups with the fleet under an emissions control (EMCON) posture to avoid detection. Additionally, the Navy needs to integrate domestic and foreign-flagged commercial entities to supplement Maritime Sealift Command shortfalls. By protecting CLF oilers and engaging alternative procurement sources through contracting, the fleet will maintain an adequate fuel supply to meet its needs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 13, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1178281
Entities
People
- James P Morrison
Organizations
- Naval War College