The Maritime Strategy is about Security, Stability and Seapower

Security: Maritime forces are first line of defense with ability to deploy quickly, reach difficult locations

Prosperity: 70% of the world is water, 80% of the world lives on or near the coastline and 90% of our commerce sails across it. Any disruption in that chain caused by instability has a direct impact on American quality of life.

Seapower: The unifying force and common denominator that enables global security stability and prosperity.

This strategy clearly articulates that our sea services operate across the full spectrum of operations; raising the prevention of war to a level equal to the conduct of war. We believe that preventing wars is as important as winning wars.

Maritime forces will be employed to build confidence and trust among nations through collective security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests in an open, multi-polar world.

Although our forces can surge when necessary to respond to crises, trust and cooperation cannot be surged. They must be built over time so that the strategic interests of the participants are continuously considered while mutual understanding and respect are promoted.

United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard will act across the full range of military operations to secure the United States from direct attack; secure strategic access and retain global freedom of action; strengthen existing and emerging alliances and partnerships and establish favorable security conditions.

Begun at the Naval War College last summer, the process of strategy development was rigorous, analytical, open and inclusive. We created an unclassified document, one with significant international flavor informed by constructive dialogue with friends around the world, the American people, not to mention an unprecedented level of cooperation among the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

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