Larry D. Carr

Effects of United States Naval Forces Deployed to the Persian Gulf Larry D. Carr

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the US Navy's ability to surge its forces to meet crises is and still meet its day-to-day commitments. This study reviewed the 43 treaties and agreements the U. S. has with other nations and the strategy and policies or the U. S. in support of these agreements. The study then examined the effect of these agreements. The study then examined the effect of these agreements, policies, and strategies on the Navy. Key areas of personnel and material readiness are the examined. As a case study, the paper used the U. S. responses to the crises in the Persian Gulf from 1970 to the present. These crises are typical of the employment at Naval forces to show U. S. interest in world affairs and are the most recent crises the nation has faced. The author was part of the forces deployed to meet this crisis. The research showed that the Navy's ability to surge its forces and continue to meet its every day commitments is limed. The Navy lacks a sufficient number or ships and the personnel to man them. The mission in the Persian Gulf was successfully completed only by pushing the ships and men of the fleet to their limit. The paper concludes with five proposals which will increase the Navy's ability to continue this type of crisis intervention and still be prepared to meet its day-to-day commitments in support of U. S. policy.