New Dimensions in Sealift
Abstract
At present, there are three primary sources of sealift available to meet strategic mobility requirements. Two of these sources, the vessels of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF), appear to be destined for a lesser role in any future conflict. Congressional disapproval of new and efficient Multi-Purpose ships for the MSC reduces the chances for a substantially modernized or enlarged sealift fleet dedicated to military needs. The present NDRF, consisting of ships built during World War II, will be scrapped before the end of this decade. Thus, the remaining source, United States commercial shipping, will be the principal source of sealift for meeting strategic mobility requirements in support of military operations in the years ahead. The current deplorable state of the U.S. merchant marine is well known. American ships are generally old and only marginally competitive in world commerce. Fortunately, In October 1970, the Congress approved a major new program aimed at revitalizing the U.S. merchant marine. This program is designed to provide up to 300 modern new merchant ships over the next 10 years. Most American ship owners interested in obtaining dry cargo vessels under the new maritime program are planning to build specialized ships capable of carrying cargo in barges or containers. All of the commercial dry cargo ships now under construction in domestic shipyards are either barge or container carriers. These ships are designed to make a profit in international maritime trade and not to move military cargo per se. The introduction of these specialized ships into the commercial fleet raises two fundamental and related questions for the military planner. First, are they suitable in terms of design and operation for strategic mobility requirements? Second, given that these modern specialized ships will be available, is the Army capable of employing them effectively in a strategic mobility role?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- ADA511026
Entities
People
- Keith S. Kelly