4.2.3 Crisis Response Comparison: Basing Systems I and II 
The relative performance effectiveness of Basing System I versus 
Basing System II is shown here in Figures 6 and 7 for LOGISTIC THROUGH- 
PUT based on the CRISIS RESPONSE-EVENT matrices displayed in Sections 
4.2.1 and 4.2.2 and the quantities indicated in Tables 2, 3, 4, and 5. 
4.3.0 Cost 
It is beyond the scope and charter of this investigation to provide 
definitive cost analysis and comparisons of projected costs for con- 
structing and maintaining alternative basing systems over the ensuing 
decade. Because of this limitation, it is also impossible to discuss 
the relative cost-benefit ratios for the alternatives. However, it is 
interesting to note that U.S. overseas basing costs projected to the 
year 2000 are expected to reach an annual level of $11 billion with $7.5 
billion of this amount attributable to leasing and access costs alone. 
Based on comparisons of studies by the RAND Corporation, Bechtel, and 
the Hudson Institute one can reasonably place the cost of a 10,000- by 
1,200-foot floating airstrip (3 decks) such as discussed herein as not 
exceeding the projected year 2000 cost for leasing and access rights. 
Because of the immaturity of construction technology for very large 
ocean bases one can expect long term costs to decrease measurably over 
that of the above short term comparison. 
4.4.0 Financial Feasibility 
Financial analysis is beyond the scope and charter of this investi- 
gation. However, it should be observed as a basic premise of the study 
that the cost of large offshore bases will be justified as displacing 
the excessive cost of foreign land bases. Although, this matter will 
require thorough investigation, the present U.S. financial commitment 
for supporting a vast network of foreign bases will assuredly be suffi- 
cient to accommodate the incremental and selective displacement of fixed 
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