A First Look at Sealift Options for the 1990s in Light of the Experience in Operation Desert Shield

Published Date: January 1, 1991
Operation Desert Shield has put U.S. transportation capabilities to the test; the lessons learned provide a starting point for gauging their appropriateness for the post-cold-war period. This research memorandum is a first assessment of the case of sealift. It describes sealift resources available to the U.S., summarizes their performance during the first five months of Desert Shield, and examines several options for improving U.S. sealift potential in the 1990s.