Small Wars Journal

Top 10 Maritime Assistance/ Disaster Needs and Best US Platforms

Sat, 11/23/2013 - 12:02am

Top 10 Maritime Assistance/ Disaster Needs and Best US Platforms by Louis Bergeron, CIMSEC.

With a rush of wind and the deafening sound of rotor blades cutting through the humid Philippine air, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps helicopter and V-22 crews are delivering lifesaving aid to remote villages in the Philippines following the devastating Typhoon Haiyan.  This does not happen by accident.  The U.S. ability to project humanitarian assistance/disaster response (HA/DR) efforts across the globe is a direct result of investments in capabilities and platforms as well as in personnel and forward posture.  So what are material capabilities are most useful in disaster response, what are the “X” factors, and which U.S. surface ships platforms deliver those capabilities best (for the best cost)? …

Read on.