Are commercial ports in the continental U.S. capable of supporting military sealift requirements in event of a major theater war or other major contingency?

Abstract

This thesis examines the potential impact of military deployment operations in a commercial port. With the closures of the Military Ocean Terminals in Oakland, California and Bayonne, New Jersey, the military must rely, almost entirely, on utilizing commercial ports to support all deployments. These deployments, from supporting routine exercises to major theater wars, will sometimes conflict with the routine operations of the commercial customers in the port. This thesis discusses the roles of the organizations involved in supporting military deployments from commercial ports and the federal laws in place to ensure there are commercial facilities available to support deployments when required. This study concludes by identifing areas of concern and making recommendations related to improving military deployments through commercial ports