WASHINGTON — In the first major revision of U.S. naval strategy in two decades, maritime officials said Wednesday they plan to focus more on humanitarian missions and improving international cooperation as a way to prevent conflicts.
“We believe that preventing wars is as important as winning wars,” said the new strategy announced by the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The strategy reflects a Defense Department effort to use aid, training and other cooperative efforts to encourage stability in fledgling democracies and create relationships around the globe that can be leveraged if a crisis does break out.
“Although our forces can surge when necessary to respond to crises, trust and cooperation cannot be surged,” says the document entitled, “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.”
Defense Secretary Robert Gates hinted at the strategy during his recent swing through Central and South America. Pointing to the recent tour of the Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort, which delivered medical care to people in 12 Latin American countries, Gates said such aid is critical to solidifying U.S. bonds with other nations. The USS Peleliu amphibious ship recently returned from a four-month tour in the Pacific and the USS Fort McHenry is heading this week for a seven-month mission along the west coast of Africa.
Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said he sees the Navy’s humanitarian work as key to the effort to defeat terrorism by winning hearts and minds.
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