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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing]()
First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing
The BAE Systems Herne XLAUV has hit the water.
-
![US Senate approves additional $175 million for Coast Guard’s FY2025 procurement]()
US Senate approves additional $175 million for Coast Guard’s FY2025 procurement
Extra funds will enable the branch to manage vessel acquisition programmes better.
-
![Australia pushes ahead on reinstating heavy landing capability with selection of Damen]()
Australia pushes ahead on reinstating heavy landing capability with selection of Damen
Australia has been without a heavy landing capability since the retirement of the last of eight Balikpapan Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels in 2014. Work on new ships is expected to begin in 2026.
-
![UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines]()
UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines
The Autumn round of Tartan Eagle training just concluded in Scotland.
