FORECASTS FOR U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRIES IN 1989: BALANCING NATIONAL SECURITY AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

The United States has been, is, and will remain dependent upon the sea for much of its security and economic viability. Therefore, the future of its maritime capabilities should not be a neglected subject. One purpose of this "White Paper" is to forecast the level of aggregate U.S. maritime capability likely to be in service by the end of the decade. That forecast is far from positive. Indeed, without major changes in current U.S. private and public sector policies, there will be a significant reduction from today's levels. The effect of that decline on U.S. interests must be determined and the implications clearly understood.