Letters

International Cooperation Makes Good Sense

Allow me to congratulate you on the August 2006 edition of Seapower. Your focus on international cooperation was very thoughtful.

In my current capacity as Oceanographer of the Navy, I am proud of the interactions and engagements the Naval Oceanography Program conducts with other countries. A common interest in maritime safety drives many of these efforts.

For example, we maintain agreements for cooperative hydrographic surveys and data exchange with nearly 50 nations. These agreements facilitate training opportunities and the sharing of ocean survey data to improve safety of navigation around the globe.

Cooperation of this nature helps mitigate the effects of destructive weather, improve safety and efficiency of maritime operations, assist in national security issues, enable sustained use of natural resources and reduce public health risks. Our experience with the numerous countries with whom we work is very rewarding for us and for them.

Rear Adm. Fred Byus
Oceanographer of the Navy

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