Troubled waters. Without maritime security and supply chain reliability, troubled waters are guaranteed on a biblical scale. Safe navigation and freedom of the seas are vital for national and global prosperity which contribute to peace. America’s position as the dominant maritime power has slipped. Our future depends on renewing our commitment to leading the maritime world. That requires sea power, force projection and a stronger merchant marine with more ships and sailors to crew them.
It is time to reclaim our maritime heritage and pursue an ambitious campaign to secure and strengthen our maritime supply chains. I commend Senator Kelly, Senator Young, Representative Garamendi and Representative Kelly’s bipartisan, and bicameral, efforts culminating in the SHIPS for America Act. I strongly support passage of the Act, and as an FMC Commissioner, I will do all that I can to support a winning maritime strategy exercising maritime state craft. The world is trade dependent, and trade is dependent on the movement of ocean cargo. Let us get to work to keep it moving.
Max Vekich is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed here are his own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.