From its inception as the “1,000 Ship Navy,” the “Global Maritime Partnership” has been a classic example of self-delusional hope triumphing over experience.
Ignoring the clear lessons of NATO’s performance (national caveats et al) in Afghanistan and other lesser known coalition operations over the last century, we decided to make this false hope a cornerstone of our Maritime Strategy. A thinly painted cover to make up for our horrid stewardship of the Fleet’s shipbuilding programs and the resulting shrinking of displacement pierside, the GMP – if not seen for what it is – will create the false impression that a Frigate is a Frigate is a Frigate – regardless of what nation it comes from. Nothing can be further from the truth.
Perhaps if we are willing to learn by present experience what we ignore from history, we can mitigate avoidable Maritime Strategic Risk resulting from putting our nation’s security in the fickle hands of fair weather allies.
Pushing through the fog of bad theory and responding to the operational reality, we have a very good move on the piracy front with CTF-151’s creation from the failure of CTF-150 to note that water is wet and fire is hot. Here is the tie in to my ramble above;
“Some navies in our coalition did not have the authority to conduct counter-piracy missions,” said Vice Adm, Bill Gortney, CMF Commander. “The establishment of CTF-151 will allow those nations to operate under the auspices of CTF-150, while allowing other nations to join CTF-151 to support our goal of deterring, disrupting and eventually bringing to justice the maritime criminals involved in piracy events.”
Uncle Sam is stepping in to fill out the Varsity team, just like we are in the south of Afghanistan. Non-swimmers, the JV squad is over there.
Remember, unlike ground forces committed to combat – it is much easier for ships to leave formation when things get tough. You thought the Elector of Bavaria at Blenheim could turn quickly, ships from other nations can and will turn around on a moment’s notice if their nation decides that is in their interest to do so. We must always work with allies – but you need to be ready to go on your own. To paraphrase a great man; you go to war with the Fleet you have, not the Fleet you thought your allies would show up with.
The ocean can get real big and real lonely; real fast.
