The Nationalized Fleet?

More than two decades have gone by since Coast Guard leaders convinced the Navy to embrace the idea of a “National Fleet.” This concept takes into consideration Coast Guard contributions to U.S. national and international security roles, missions, and capabilities as well as its more traditional maritime functions—search and rescue; safeguarding environmental and natural resources and fisheries; law enforcement; and maritime safety. Enthusiasm for a national fleet seems to have waned, much like the Navy’s 2007 call for a global “1000-Ship Navy” that is little more than a historical artifact today.