The Thousand Ship Navy: Creating a Maritime System of Systems
Abstract
This paper proposes an alternate method in which the Thousand Ship Navy (TSN), or Global Maritime Partnership Initiative (GMPI), could be realized in an operational sense. Very little published work exists other than opinion pieces and broad stroke descriptions of the current model being discussed. The thesis proposes that the voluntary member, ad-hoc participation model will be insufficient; to see this concept to fruition will require more formal agreements, true, near real-time, and equal information sharing existing within a network of similarly focused coalitions. It examines the tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia, the security efforts against piracy in the Strait of Malacca, and the Proliferation Security Initiative as brief case studies. While each had its own merits, a compilation of the best of each, taken along with other existing programs and organizations, was put in the context of a system of systems. Additionally, it addresses the many foreign interests who fear American control over maritime security for its own interest, stating that the other global partners must be brought into the network as leaders, not just members. Many proponents argue that the loosely organized model is put forth to counter the resistance seen to programs like PSI; that fact in and of itself is shown to be its downfall.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 10, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470826
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Gilbertson
Organizations
- Naval War College