The United States in Vietnam: Is It Time To Return?
Abstract
The closing of the U.S. bases in the Philippines is a timely occasion for the U.S. to consider use of bases in Vietnam. This paper discusses the reasons why the United States should consider Vietnam's public offer of American use of Cam Ranh Bay. Major changes in the region and especially Vietnam itself are reviewed. The paper then considers the importance of the strategic location of Southeast Asia and its economy. Finally, the paper looks briefly at the security concerns of the countries in the region. The paper concludes with a recommendation that the United States should begin use of Cam Ranh Bay on a limited basis because of the extreme importance of the Straits of Malacca. Also, the Southeast Asian country is located in a strategically central position from two areas of the world of vital importance to the United States - the Middle East and Northeast Asia. The importance of these areas makes a logistics base of operations a rational exception in an era of base closures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 19, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA253237
Entities
People
- James F. Thomasson Jr.
Organizations
- Naval War College