U.S. Strategic Sealift Capability Study
Abstract
The United States, as a world leader politically, economically and militarily, has the frequent responsibility and requirement to project military forces worldwide. Ninety-five percent of the equipment and sustainment moved in support of these projections is done by sealift. It is obvious that strategic mobility is absolutely vital if the U.S. is to realize its national security objectives. This study reviews, in a macro sense, the capabilities of the United States to accomplish this crucial mission. The study takes a look at the United States Transportation Command, its charter and the Military Sealift Command which is the Naval component responsible for strategic sealift operations. The study then transitions from force structure to requirements and capabilities. The approximate gross requirements for movement of a five division corps and its sustainment are identified. The requirement is then compared to the movement capability possessed by USTRANSCOM which reveals that a shortage of sealift exists. It is determined that some timely enhancements such as prepositioning of equipment, securing additional roll on roll off ships, increasing containerization, generating a trained and responsive Merchant Marine Manning System and providing subsidies to our shipbuilding industry are necessary if responsive strategic sealift is to be provided to supported CINCs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA237077
Entities
People
- Elmo V. Bessent
Organizations
- United States Army War College