Page 203 - MDSL Final

THE ENABLERS OF MARITIME POWER
Shore Support

The logistics support mechanism is founded directly upon shore support,
a concept which embraces not only service facilities such as bases
and supply units, but private contractors as well, both domestic and
international. In addition, as formal arrangements through diplomatic
channels, with allied governments for access to material and technical
support is also another avenue to fulfil the logistics requirement. The
sophistication of such support will depend upon the point within the
logistics chain that it operates, as well as the importance and urgency
of the need.

Reach and Sustainment

However capable naval forces are, their potential is very well enlarged by
the availability of support vessels. Nevertheless, there are few modern
maritime operations which can be conducted effectively without such
support. At its most sophisticated, extending to repairs of ships as well
as stores, ammunition, food and fuel supply ships, such support can
make a naval force independent to a greater extent.

Chartered Shipping

Support capabilities can be enhanced by chartering or leasing merchant
ships and modifying them to the extent required by an operation.
Certainly, effective sealift in strategic terms rests even more upon the
capacity to access commercial tonnage than it does upon naval vessels.
Commercial vessels cannot produce the capabilities of purpose-built
replenishment ships, but they can play a vibrant role in maximising the
capacity of the purpose-built replenishment ships by acting as resupply
units between shore bases and the operational area. Mechanisms need
to exist for the identification of suitable hulls within the national register
and in these circumstances the possession of a substantial national flag
merchant fleet can be a vital strategic advantage.

To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea 183