VIDEO
Published May 19, 2025
For generations, America’s maritime strength has been the foundation of its global power. But today, the U.S. Merchant Marine — vital for moving troops, weapons, and supplies — is facing a dangerous decline. Meanwhile, China is rapidly expanding its maritime capabilities, outpacing the U.S. in both scale and readiness. To secure peace, protect allies, and project power abroad, America must rebuild the civilian fleet behind its military force.
Check out more from Adm. Gary Roughead:
- Read "America Must Untangle Its Defense-Industrial Base from China" by Adm. Gary Roughead here.
- Read "Victory at Sea" by Adm. Gary Roughead here.
- Read "GARCs and Liberty Ships: Bellwether Defense Initiatives" by Gary Roughead here.
Learn more about Adm. Gary Roughead here.
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The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University.
© 2025 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University.
Cast
Admiral Gary Roughead
With conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and rising tensions between China and Taiwan, the United States must reclaim its status as a true maritime nation. Maritime self-reliance is essential to fully support our allies and interests around the world.
The United States is the premier naval nation with a combat-ready navy which projects force worldwide and safeguards free and open seas.
However, it's the civilian manned US Merchant Marine which is the backbone that provides logistical support to the combat-ready Navy and all our armed forces. In World War II, the Merchant Marine delivered vital supplies, troops, and weapons across treacherous waters, earning recognition from FDR as the fourth arm of defense.
Today, US Merchant Marine vessels serve as a logistic lifeline for our forces and help safeguard democratic allies like Taiwan and Japan. Over the years, China has invested heavily in all aspects of maritime activity.
China's 5,000 available vessels to support naval operations dwarfs America's 80. America must expand its commercial fleet, enhance shipbuilding maintenance capabilities and capacity, and increase the number of merchant maritime officers ready to serve.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy produces over 80% of our strategic Sealift officer force, but requires significant investment to upgrade its outdated infrastructure and attract the brightest individuals. Combat power without robust sealift and dependable logistics will be short-lived.
We must give our merchant mariners the resources they need to better ensure global peace and stability.