The FOUR OCEAN CHALLENGE

SEAPOWER is essential to the destiny of our nation, of our world leadership position and the well being of all the peoples of the earth.

As members of a great team, the Navy and Marine Corps face increasing responsibilities directly related to operations from the seas.  The balanced, discriminating, peace-seeking responses of American SEAPOWER is the answer to "THE FOUR OCEAN CHALLENGE."

Today, a challenge exists in the Artic Ocean as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and in the vast expanses of a new strategic area from the South Atlantic around Africa through the Indian Ocean to Australia.

Powerful American fleets in the Atlantic-Mediterranean and Pacific waters continue with quiet dignity and unobtrusiveness to protect our national interests, the interests of out allies, and the freedom and independence of the newly established nations.

The most profound change in the history of warfare is the inland reach of modern weapons systems from the seas.  Today, the range of Naval Forces has been increased to hundreds of miles--and is still increasing--with the advent of modern aircraft based on mobile aircraft carriers, with ballistic missles (Polaris) fired from submarines, and with the improved amphibious capability of the NAVY-MARINE CORPS TEAM.  Virtually no place on earth is today beyond the range of attack from the seas.  With the new 2,875-mile Polaris there will be no place--period.

Every type of military power can be projected from our seaborne mobile bases--air power, gun power, manpower, and missle power.  These seaborne mobile bases can cover literally millions of square miles of ocean in a matter of a few days.  By virtue of their very flexibility and mobility they have the capability of concentrating where power is needed.  They have low vulnerability since they are mobile.  We exploit this.  Mobility frees us from the necessity to post sizable forces near every potential trouble spot in the world.  Instead, we move forces to where trouble erupts and we move them out when trouble ceases.  This is a significant capability and we have it.

As a response to "THE FOUR OCEAN CHALLENGE," the United States must maintain strong, balanced and mobile SEAPOWER throughout the world.  The foundation of balanced SEAPOWER is the NAVY-MARINE CORPS TEAM, proud professional members with the Army and Air Force in the national security fraternity.  Ability of the NAVY-MARINE CORPS TEAM to project into the air, across the expanse and into the depths of the seas, and onto land is unique in history.  It is an area in which the United States is clearly superior.  We must continue to use this tremendous advantage at sea.  In doing so the NAVY-MARINE CORPS TEAM must remember always that SEAPOWER is never andend unto itself, but a unique and invaluable tool to advance the cause of peace with justice for all men of good will.