An Analysis of the Problems Involved in the Utilization of Merchant Shipping to Support the U.S. Government during Declared Mobilization Situations

摘要

This study examines the utilization of the current United States (U.S.) Merchant Marine to respond to the demands placed upon it by a full military mobilization. Included is a brief history of the Merchant Marine, its relationship to the National Defense Reserve Fleet and the Military Sealift Command controlled fleet. Also discussed in the analysis are the procedures for requisitioning the Merchant Marine, the roles it might fulfill in wartime, and the types of ships available in the present inventory. Conclusions and recommendations are described. Of particular note is the need for foreign purchase of vessels to be used in U.S. oceangoing commerce, the necessity of establishing a national maritime policy, and the continuation of governmental agency interaction to study the Merchant Marine. (Author)