Base Support for U.S. Naval Operations in the Western Pacific: A Survey of 19th- and Early 20th-Century Developments

This memorandum, a part of CNA's Pacific Fleet Basing Study sponsored by CINCPACFLT, describes the history of shore support and operating conditions of U.S. naval forces in the western Pacific from the 19th century to World War II. It discusses the rationale, force structure, and shore support of U.S. naval forces during three time periods: pre-Spanish-American War, post-Spanish-American War to World War I, and World War I to World War II. Key advantages and disadvantages of shore support for each of these periods are highlighted.