RICHARD C. BARNARD, Editor in Chief
Japan and the United States are creating a joint operations center at Yokota Air Base and moving ahead with missile defense programs that are aimed primarily at containing the volatile regime of North Korea’s Kim Jong-il. Seapower Correspondent Amy Klamper notes (p. 10) that the moves are indicative of a deepening U.S.-Japan alliance and come as the Japanese carefully revamp their 1947 pacifist constitution and take on a larger role in regional security.
After decades of tense relations, India and the United States have a new framework for defense cooperation that will propel them beyond annual military exercises to joint efforts in maritime security and coalition operations in south Asia and beyond. Managing Editor Richard R. Burgess reports (p. 16), for example, that both countries are focused on maintaining law and order in the Strait of Malacca.
India, a future superpower, is resolving its security disputes with China. In July, a Himalayan border crossing, the Nathu La Pass, reopened for trade after being closed for more than 44 years. The two countries conducted joint naval exercises off the Indian coast in 2005.
The United States is engaging China’s defense leadership in a variety of ways on the theory that familiarity leads to a general lessening of tensions. China is slowly responding.
These tremors along the world’s political fault lines were triggered by several seismic events. The demise of the Soviet Union is still being felt, for example, and the explosion of terrorism upon the world caused many nations, including the United States, to re-examine their alliances. In April, we reported on the renewal of U.S. military ties with Indonesia and the efforts of Adm. William J. Fallon, Pacific Command commander, to bolster communications with China. In future issues, Seapower will continue to focus on the changing international alliances that affect U.S. security.
Also in the issue, Associate Editor Matt Hilburn reports (p. 46) that the Marines are devising ways to fill a gap in their Distributed Operations concept: the challenge of resupplying the many small units moving rapidly within the battle space. Seapower Correspondent Megan Scully offers an intriguing look (p. 6) at the effort by some on Capitol Hill who remain confident of creating a seat on the Joint Chiefs for the National Guard.
Our “Interview” this month is with Adm. Thad Allen, the new commandant of the Coast Guard, who discusses the service’s growing role in national security and the “daunting” challenge of improving security of the nation’s ports.
Enjoy!
We are eager to get your feedback. Contact me at rbarnard@navyleague.org or by mail at Seapower, 2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3308.
