U.S. involvement in a conflict not mutually supported by allies with sealift capability will necessitate the exclusive use of U.S.-flag merchant vessels to deploy and support forces in a theater of operations. Unfortunately, the U.S. has a merchant fleet built for trade route profitability. Limitations of the U.S.-flag merchant fleet for military use are important to strategic mobility and for resupply of combat forces. U.S. merchant fleet shortcomings could limit the size or change the type of armed forces that can be deployed and supported. It is essential that force planners understand the merits and limitations of U.S.-flag merchant vessels and their availability for use in military operations. This paper discusses the sources of dry cargo merchant shipping, reviews each type vessel's limitations and strengths when used for military operations, and identifies real time vessel availability. This paper concludes that although the U.S,-flag fleet has some outstanding assets available, today there is insufficient strategic sealift for the U.S. to execute a major deployment in a military operation in a single distant theater. To rectify the situation I suggest: 1) Revitalize the U.S. maritime industry. 2) Improve the military usefulness of the container fleet through use of SEASHEDs and Flatracks. 3) Place modern militarily useful ships in the ready reserve force. 4) Build strategic mobility sealift assets. 5) Train Naval reservists to man the activated reserve fleet assets if civilian crews are not available.


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