Role of the U.S. Navy in Support of the National Strategy for Maritime Security

摘要

The National Strategy for Maritime Security (NSMS) is a relatively recent plan for employing America's finite assets and capabilities to secure the maritime domain from vulnerability to terrorist attacks and to enhance the nation's overall protection. The NSMS has outlined the United States' maritime security objectives as follows: (1) Prevent Terrorist Attacks and Criminal or Hostile Acts; (2) Protect Maritime-Related Population Centers and Critical Infrastructures; (3) Minimize Damage and Expedite Recovery; and (4) Safeguard the Ocean and Its Resources. In an effort to bring the maritime capabilities of the United States Navy to bear, systematic utilization of naval forces in support of maritime security is an area that requires additional integration. The intent of this paper is to examine the Strategy for Maritime Security, analyze the current means available, use current Chief of Naval Operations guidance and policies in relation to the mission, and determine a path for the future employment of naval forces. Short-term, as well as long-term, solutions will be discussed and their implications for the Navy determined. Specifically, manpower requirements, force structure, training requirements, and the impact to current vision, missions, principles, tasks, and objectives will be analyzed.