Southcom may get 4th Fleet
The Navy is considering restoring the 4th Fleet in the Atlantic Ocean, a bureaucratic change that would raise the prominence of Pentagon maritime activities in Latin America and the Caribbean.While not stated in the article I think this move may be pointed at Chavez and Venezuela. His threat to the Caribbean and the lightly defended islands of our allies is becoming more apparent. He may also have territorial ambitions that would require a response from the Navy. While the current talk does not include increased money or more ships, it could be a vessel for both in the future.Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the disclosure during a visit to the Southern Command last week — calling it "a great idea" that "as far as I know is moving forward."
The move would bring no new vessels to the region but would put Southcom on par administratively with other Pentagon outposts that have large budgets and bigger muscle. For example, the Central Command operates the Fifth Fleet in the Middle East.
It would also restore an institution that sent U.S. Navy ships into southern waters in search of Nazi U-boats. The Navy created the 4th Fleet in 1943 to hunt submarines in the South Atlantic during World War II.
It was disbanded seven years later with naval operations in the region run from Norfolk, Va.
...
In theory, the 4th Fleet would operate out of Mayport, Fla., now a smaller headquarters for Navy South, which coordinates Navy activities in Latin America and the Caribbean for Southcom. It is run by a one-star officer, Rear Adm. James Stevenson. A 4th Fleet would be run by a two- or three-star admiral, and may need congressional approval.
Davis emphasized that no new vessels — and no additional budget — would come with the creation of a 4th Fleet.
Instead, warships from various bases would be assigned to sail in the fleet — in waters stretching from the Caribbean through Central and South America.
...
Comments
Post a Comment