SAS 2016: Concern expressed over US maritime decline
A senior official has expressed serious concern over the declining state of US civil maritime capabilities and its potential impact on future military operations.
Participating in a service chiefs’ panel at the opening of this week’s Sea-Air-Space exposition, Paul Jaenichen maritime administrator for the US Maritime Administration described the US sealift fleet as being ‘at a tripping point’.
Jaenichen characterised the current US presence in the maritime domain as ‘at the lowest level in our history’.
‘There are only 79 US-flagged ships remaining in international trade,’ he explained. ‘And that is a 25% drop over the last three years. We
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
