{"id":2322927,"date":"2024-08-12T07:04:02","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T11:04:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-best-way-to-rebuild-our-navy-is-to-privatize-it\/"},"modified":"2024-08-12T07:19:59","modified_gmt":"2024-08-12T11:19:59","slug":"the-best-way-to-rebuild-our-navy-is-to-privatize-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-best-way-to-rebuild-our-navy-is-to-privatize-it\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Way To Rebuild Our Navy Is To Privatize It"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fthe-best-way-to-rebuild-our-navy-is-to-privatize-it%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2322927&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The U.S. Navy is currently under strain and unable to fulfill its \u2064traditional roles in enforcing sanctions and conducting maritime security operations due to its size and the demands placed on it. This situation has been\u200c exacerbated\u2062 by\u2064 the Navy&#8217;s atrophy\u2063 since the 9\/11 attacks and\u2062 the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/israeli-police-release-dramatic-footage-of-hostage-rescue\/\" title=\"Israeli police share intense video of hostage rescue operation\">ongoing geopolitical \u2063tensions<\/a>, particularly regarding China. \u2063To address the challenges posed by Russia&#8217;s tactics, including the use of a &#8220;ghost fleet&#8221; of oil tankers evading sanctions, the article proposes reviving \u200bthe \u2062practice\u200c of privateering \u2014\u200b a historical method where \u200cprivate ships destroy or capture enemy vessels under a sanctioned legal framework.<\/p>\n<p>Privateering has deep roots in\u200d American history and is legally\u2062 permissible under the U.S. Constitution. Historically, privateers helped the U.S. disrupt enemy supply lines during wars. The reintroduction of privateers, particularly in combating Russia&#8217;s oil transport strategies, could enhance U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/we-got-it-newsmax-reporter-emerald-robinson-national-security-source-confirms-a-piece-of-hardware-has-been-secured-in-germany\/\" title=\"We Got It! - Newsmax Reporter Emerald Robinson: National Security Source Confirms &quot;A Piece of Hardware Has Been Secured&quot; in Germany\">national security<\/a> and allow the Navy to rebuild. Instead of only a military \u200dsolution, privateers could provide a \u200ccost-effective and agile means to enforce \u2062sanctions.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the involvement of privateers could \u200cencourage shipping companies to register under \u200cthe U.S.\u200c flag, \u200d<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/biden-finally-does-bare-minimum-to-address-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea\/\" title=\"Biden takes minimal action against Houthi attacks in Red Sea\">enhancing maritime security<\/a> and compliance with international laws. \u200cThis strategy could \u200bbolster the U.S.\u2062 merchant fleet and provide a more effective \u2064response to international maritime challenges facing the nation\u2062 today.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>The U.S. Navy isn&rsquo;t just for fighting overseas or protecting the homeland. It&rsquo;s also a basic tool of force projection, diplomacy, and protecting and regulating international trade. But today&rsquo;s Navy is too small to meet the demands placed on it. As a result, traditional Navy tasks, such as enforcing sanctions, are far down the priority list. But this capability gap could be filled if we had the boldness to bring back privateers.<\/p>\n<p>During the long response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the delusion of the peaceful rise of the People&rsquo;s Republic of China (PRC), the U.S. Navy was allowed to atrophy. One tangible consequence: Today, America reportedly has <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/johnkonrad\/status\/1821181819980787757\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">no aircraft carriers dedicated to deterring an increasingly bellicose China<\/a> &mdash; they&rsquo;re all either in the Middle East, headed to the Middle East, or in various stages of training or repair.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Navies aren&rsquo;t cheap. Modern ships take a long time to build &mdash; at least in the West; the PRC seems to be building dozens of warships quite quickly &mdash; and the U.S. defense industrial base needs billions to even begin to ramp up production. So our Navy will be too small for at least a decade.<\/p>\n<h2>Using Privateers to Combat Russia&rsquo;s Ghost Fleet<\/h2>\n<p>Economic warfare has become a central component of international relations, though overused and ineffective unless assiduously enforced. The U.S. and its allies sanctioned Russia&rsquo;s oil exports after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. To get around those sanctions, Russia operates a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barrons.com\/news\/fears-over-russia-s-ghost-fleet-bypassing-oil-sanctions-b89b8f35\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ghost fleet<\/a> of oil tankers. These aging tankers sail without traditional insurance and with obscured ownership.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In February, the U.S. blacklisted 14 Russian tankers operated by Sovcomflot, a state-run shipping company. It doesn&rsquo;t appear that the blacklisting has had any practical effect, as there is no record of any ship being impounded. But declaring sanctions and then not diligently enforcing them erodes U.S. credibility &mdash; and, with it, deterrence.<\/p>\n<p>It was estimated that 196 tankers loaded with crude oil left Russian ports last December alone, with most of the ships flying flags of convenience from Panama, Gabon, and Liberia. As the ships pass near European powers, they&rsquo;re often escorted by Russian warships, but then they&rsquo;ll &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/maritime-executive.com\/editorials\/after-close-scrutiny-russian-ghost-fleet-ships-may-be-changing-tactics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">go dark<\/a>&rdquo; &mdash; turning off their transponders as they link up with other vessels to transfer the oil or offload it in ports where the adherence to rule of law is a bit spotty.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If the U.S. truly wants to shut down Russia&rsquo;s ghost fleet, it should consider an old but effective tool: privateers. Bringing back privateers, sanctioned under the U.S. Constitution, to target the Russian ghost fleet can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/is-war-with-china-in-taiwan-to-protect-semiconductor-production-really-necessary\/\" title=\"Is War with China in Taiwan to Protect Semiconductor Production Really Necessary?\">bolster national security<\/a> while the U.S. fleet is rebuilt. This approach, grounded in historical precedent and legal framework, would enhance U.S. strategic flexibility, especially if paired with a policy that promoted American <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/biden-slammed-over-russian-nord-stream-2-pipeline-report-shaping-up-to-be-most-pro-russia-president\/\" title=\"Biden Slammed Over Russian Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Report: Shaping Up To Be \u2018Most Pro-Russia\u2019 President\">energy dominance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Historical and Legal Context of Privateering<\/h2>\n<p>Privateering has a rich and storied history. Some 500 years ago, European nations issued letters of marque to supplement their naval forces. The practice allowed private individuals and ships to capture enemy vessels and cargo, effectively outsourcing naval warfare.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Privateers played a significant role in American history, particularly during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, where they disrupted British supply lines and captured valuable prizes. The last time the United States used privateers was during the War of 1812 &mdash; though the Confederacy employed the practice in the Civil War.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The practice waned in the mid-19th century, largely due to the Declaration of Paris in 1856, in which the major European powers and subsequently other nations agreed to ban privateering. However, the U.S. did not ratify the treaty. Of note, America saw its small Navy, relative to the European powers, as a reason to keep its options open.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. Constitution explicitly grants Congress the power to issue letters of marque and reprisal (Article I, Section 8, Clause 11), providing a legal foundation for privateering. This concept remains an option under U.S. law.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Private military contractors are well-suited to undertake privateering missions. The private sector&rsquo;s agility and operational capabilities complement traditional military efforts. Privateers, if legally empowered to capture vessels violating sanctions, could retain the seized assets and auction off the contraband oil. This financial incentive would attract skilled operators and enhance enforcement effectiveness.<\/p>\n<h2>Incentivizing U.S.-Flagged Shipping<\/h2>\n<p>Engaging privateers to target the Russian ghost fleet could also have the secondary effect of incentivizing international shippers to register under the U.S. flag. The prospect of U.S. Navy protection against potential retaliation by Russia or other adversarial powers would be a significant draw for these companies. Currently, U.S.-flagged vessels are entitled to the protection of the U.S. Navy, providing a security assurance that can be crucial in unstable maritime environments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This shift could bolster the U.S. merchant marine fleet, enhance national security, and ensure better compliance with international laws and sanctions. Moreover, a larger U.S.-flagged fleet would create a more robust logistical network &mdash; absolutely vital in deterring the PRC across the vast expanse of the Pacific.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Energy Dominance and Economic Stability<\/h2>\n<p>Energy dominance is crucial if America is to mitigate the effects of international market disruptions on fuel prices and inflation. The strategic deployment of privateers against the Russian ghost fleet would be supported by energy dominance. If the supply of illicit Russian oil shipments is interrupted, the international price of oil would likely increase in the absence of new supply. American energy dominance could fill the gap, stabilizing crude oil markets and prices at the pump.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The recent depletion of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) under the Biden administration, aimed at tempering fuel prices ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, underscores the need for a robust energy strategy. Energy dominance would allow for a cost-effective refilling of the SPR.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>American energy dominance extends beyond domestic economic stability. Europe&rsquo;s reliance on Russian energy has long been a point of leverage for Moscow. By curbing the ghost fleet&rsquo;s operations and enhancing U.S. energy exports, the U.S. can undermine this leverage &mdash; a critical factor in geopolitical dynamics &mdash; as well as strengthen energy ties with allies such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.<\/p>\n<p>The reintroduction of privateers, authorized under the U.S. Constitution, offers a solution to a costly problem that won&rsquo;t soon be solved: a U.S. Navy that lacks the power to meet its commitments.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<div>\n<p>      Chuck DeVore is chief national initiatives officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a former California legislator, and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. He&#8217;s the author of <a href=\"\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0BGNKPTLR\">&ldquo;The Crisis of the House Never United&mdash;A Novel of Early America.&rdquo; <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The U.S. Navy serves not only to engage in combat abroad or safeguard the nation but also functions as a vital instrument for projecting power, conducting diplomacy, and overseeing international trade. However, the current size of the Navy is insufficient to fulfill these responsibilities effectively. Consequently, essential tasks like sanction enforcement have become low on the priority list. This capability gap could potentially be addressed by reviving the use of privateers.<\/p>\n<p>In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and during a period marked by an optimistic view of China&#8217;s rise, the U.S. Navy has experienced significant decline. A notable outcome is that there are currently no aircraft carriers available specifically for deterring an increasingly aggressive China; they are either deployed in or en route to the Middle East or undergoing training and repairs.<\/p>\n<p>Naval forces are expensive to maintain and modern ships require considerable time to construct\u2014especially in Western nations\u2014while China appears to be rapidly expanding its fleet with numerous new warships. The U.S. defense industrial base would need substantial investment just to begin increasing production levels, meaning that for at least another decade, our Navy will remain under-resourced.<\/p>\n<p>Economic warfare has become a key aspect of global relations but often proves ineffective without strict enforcement measures. Following Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, sanctions were imposed on Russian oil exports; however, Russia has circumvented these restrictions through a &#8220;ghost fleet&#8221; of oil tankers operating without standard insurance and obscured ownership details.<\/p>\n<p>In February, 14 Russian tankers operated by Sovcomflot were blacklisted by the U.S., yet this action seems largely symbolic as no vessels have been seized since then. Failing to enforce sanctions undermines U.S credibility and deterrence efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Last December alone saw approximately 196 tankers loaded with crude oil departing from Russian ports\u2014many registered under flags from Panama, Gabon, and Liberia\u2014and often escorted by Russian naval vessels until they &#8220;go dark,&#8221; disabling their transponders while transferring oil at less regulated ports.<\/p>\n<p>To effectively dismantle Russia&#8217;s ghost fleet operations, it may be prudent for the U.S. government to consider reintroducing privateering\u2014a historical practice sanctioned under American law\u2014to target these illicit activities while rebuilding its own naval capabilities. This approach would not only draw upon historical precedent but also enhance strategic flexibility if aligned with policies promoting American energy leadership.<\/p>\n<p>Privateering boasts a rich history dating back over five centuries when European nations issued letters of marque allowing private individuals or ships to capture enemy vessels as an extension of naval power during wartime efforts such as those seen in America&#8217;s Revolutionary War and War of 1812 against British supply lines\u2014the last instance being during that same conflict before it faded out due largely due treaty agreements among major powers banning such practices thereafter (though notably unratified by America).<\/p>\n<p>The Constitution grants Congress authority over issuing letters of marque (Article I Section 8 Clause 11), thus providing legal grounds for potential privateering initiatives today which could involve private military contractors adept at executing missions targeting violators who breach sanctions while retaining seized assets for auctioning off contraband goods\u2014a financial incentive likely attracting skilled operators enhancing overall enforcement effectiveness too!<\/p>\n<p>Additionally engaging privateers might encourage international shipping companies towards registering under American flags given assurances provided through potential protection offered via US Naval forces against retaliatory actions from adversaries like Russia thereby strengthening national security interests further still! <\/p>\n<p>This shift could bolster America&#8217;s merchant marine capacity ensuring better compliance with international laws whilst creating robust logistical networks crucially needed especially when countering threats posed across vast Pacific expanses particularly concerning PRC ambitions!<\/p>\n<p>Moreover achieving energy dominance remains vital if America aims mitigate adverse impacts stemming from disruptions within global markets affecting fuel prices\/inflation rates alike! Strategic deployment against ghost fleets can support this goal: disrupting illicit shipments raises prices internationally leading room where US energy supplies fill gaps stabilizing crude markets\/pump costs alike!<\/p>\n<p>Recent depletions witnessed within Strategic Petroleum Reserve highlight necessity behind solidifying comprehensive strategies moving forward enabling effective replenishment processes too! <\/p>\n<p>Beyond domestic stability lies Europe\u2019s long-standing dependence upon Russian resources which Moscow leverages politically; curtailing ghost fleet operations alongside boosting US exports can diminish this leverage significantly impacting geopolitical dynamics positively whilst reinforcing ties amongst allies including Japan\/South Korea\/Taiwan respectively!<\/p>\n<p>Thus reintroducing constitutionally authorized Privateer practices presents viable solutions addressing costly challenges faced today regarding inadequacies plaguing current Naval capabilities unable meet commitments adequately going forward into future scenarios ahead!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":563,"featured_media":2322928,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/USS-Antietam-USS-Preble-USS-OKane-in-formation-2007.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[546],"tags":[3998,37867,37866,6758,37865],"class_list":["post-2322927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-federalist","tag-defense","tag-maritime-strategy","tag-military-reform","tag-navy","tag-privatization"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/USS-Antietam-USS-Preble-USS-OKane-in-formation-2007.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2322927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/563"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2322927"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2322927\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2322928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2322927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2322927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2322927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}