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Americans not familiar with wartime logistics usually assume the Navy is responsible for moving troops, supplies, armaments, fuel, and everything else needed to fight a protracted conflict. But that is the job of the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet and the military service-committed Merchant Marine officers…

As America readies itself for unprecedented challenges from the likes of China, we need to remember its not all about hardware. We need the right people with the right training, who are ready, able, and willing to serve their country. For military sealift, that’s where the USMMA comes in…

On any given day, up to 200 Midshipmen of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) are at sea around the world engaged in essential training on U.S.-flag commercial vessels. Many of these vessels are contracted with the U.S. government for deployment in wartime to transport the weaponry, supplies, and fuel without which our military forces cannot prevail…

This timely article addresses the current severe shortage of fuel tankers, which will be critical to keep the U.S. Navy afloat in any potential war with China. The author, Captain Steve Carmel, points out the difference between “assured access” and “assumed access” and how depending on foreign flagged tankers in a conflict could be disastrous…

This opinion article from RealClearDefense where former deputy undersecretary of the Navy Seth Cropsey discusses the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine in deterring and winning a major conflict against an increasingly aggressive China or a desperate Russia…

A mariner shortfall in 2018 was a grave concern. Today, with an escalating conflict in Europe and an increasingly bellicose China, the lack of seasoned merchant mariners is a clear and present danger to our national security…

Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (USN-Ret) calls attention to the acute shortage of U.S. Mariners. Adm. Buzby, served as Commander of the Military Sealift Command and as Maritime Administrator, lays out a partial solution: Immediately increase the enrollment at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), the primary source of the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Sealift Officers (SSOs)…

This timely article highlights the ongoing shortage of Merchant Mariners facing this country at an especially crucial time. One readily implementable, tried-and-true solution would be to increase the class size at the nation’s federal maritime academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)…

This important New York Times essay by Michael Roberts highlights the increasing danger of ignoring China’s growing maritime influence. Mr. Roberts reminds us that we cannot ignore the personnel side of the ledger…

China’s maritime buildup, both military and commercial, is an increasingly major concern for U.S. policymakers…