OCEAN SCIENCES AND NATIONAL SFXURITY 9 



and physical oceanography and less on tradition, superstition, and 

 lore. Catches may be consumed at home or exported; the}^ may also 

 provide products other than food. For many nations, fisheries repre- 

 sent a significant element in the econoni}', either for income or as a 

 source of protein for human nourishment. 



^Vliile the merchant marine and fisheries characterize two peaceful 

 applications of the ocean, it has had an alternative quality as an 

 element in warfare. In offense, the oceans provided combat forces 

 with flexibility and mobiUty in deployment, the freedom to disperse 

 and concentrate rapidly, and to exploit the element of surprise that 

 were far superior to geography-inhibited capabilities of land armies. 

 To defend itself against a hostile fleet, a nation in the past had to 

 literally fortify an entbe coastline. Even then, a surprise assault at 

 one point often pierced well -fortified positions, as was well demon- 

 strated by the allied landing in Normandy. AYhen a nation is ex- 

 tended over a large area of the world, other nations with control of 

 the seas can cut communications with overseas possessions. More- 

 over, control of the sea by those nations with vulnerable coastlines is 

 essential either to deter the intentions of a hostile nation or to blunt 

 an attack. In the last two wars, the U.S. control of the seas was 

 considered a significant factor in preventing enemy forces from reach- 

 ing the mainland. 



The entire history of the United States has continuously revealed 

 an intimate relationship with the sea. While this relationship has 

 undergone cycles of emphasis and deemphasis, contemporary events 

 discussed by national leaders now appear to underscore its renewed 

 significance in our national affairs. 



During its infancy, the United States was protected by an ocean 

 buffer behind which it was possible to develop a continent free of the 

 distractions and dilutions which characterize growth in those countries 

 having numerous contiguous neighbors. Even the first settlers of the 

 original colonies were conscious of the ocean. At their back was a 

 hostile wilderness such that their survival and security depended on a 

 precious thread of logistic support 3,000 miles long. 



Prosperity of the colonies depended heavily on trade, particularly 

 the export of furs, tobacco, and other products. The seas provided 

 this important medium of transportation, although initially all of 

 these goods were carried in British ships. Under the incentive of the 

 mercantile system, as well as pure self-interest, the American colonists 

 soon built their own ships and entered foreign trade. Best known is 

 the triangular route that New England developed with Africa, the 

 Caribbean, and Europe, with cargoes of slaves, sugar, rum, and 

 American products. 



As long as the colonies were protected by the British political 

 and economic system, they did not seek to develop either an inde- 

 pendent navy for the protection of the merchant fleet or data about 

 the ocean. After gaining independence, however, there was a great 

 burst of maritime activity that included construction of the "clippers" ; 

 these prizes in naval architecture, together with war vessels proved 

 during the conflict of 1812 that they could outmaneuver and outgun 

 even the British. There was also an energetic development of treaties 

 and agreements for breaking into the firmly developed monopolies 

 on world trade. The freshly born U.S. Navy protected these Ufelines. 



