An Analysis of the United States Maritime Industry Subsidy Program and National Defense: A Rational Approach to Sealift Readiness

摘要

This study examines the United States (U.S.) Maritime Industry as a potential defense force, its present defense capabilities and the government programs and legislation designed to support it. The current government subsidy program is determined to be inadequately structured to meet the nation's need for a merchant marine of modern, efficient and competitive vessels. Defense mobility has also declined as a result of ineffective programs. Included is a brief history of the Merchant Marine and its commercial and national defense objectives. The analysis discusses the criteria for selecting a viable ship design to fulfill the U.S. Merchant Marine requirements for commercial and defense missions. Conclusions and recommendations are described. (Author)