The Straits of Malacca and Singapore: A U.S. Perspective CAPT Kevin Johnson Deputy Director, Plans and Policy U.S. Pacific Fleet
Dec 30, 2015
The Straits of Malacca and Singapore:A U.S. Perspective
CAPT Kevin Johnson
Deputy Director, Plans and Policy
U.S. Pacific Fleet
Outline/Purpose
• U.S. View of the Straits of Malacca
• Assessment of the future
• Ensuring safety and security
Mahan Quote
“The first and most obvious light in which the sea presents itself from the political and social viewpoint is that of a great highway; or better, perhaps, of a wide common, over which all men may pass in all directions…”
-Alfred Thayer Mahan
U.S. History
• Quasi-War (with France, 1798-1800)
• Barbary Wars (1801-05, 1815)
• War of 1812
• World War I
• Operation EARNEST WILL
Enduring Strategic Imperatives
• Freedom of Movement
• Secure Sea Lines of Communications
• Multilateral Approach to Security
Strait of Malacca
• Key sea line of communications
• Strong sovereign States
• Malacca Straits Patrols
• The U.S. will work in partnership
Economic Factors
• Recessions– Increased maritime crime– Threat from instability– Reduced budgets
• Prosperity– Traffic density– Safety of navigation– Human migration
Security Factors
• Sea robbery
• Maritime violence
• Naval warfare
• Competing claims
• Limited resources
• Foreign Intervention
• Complacency
Keeping SOM Safe
• Interagency, Whole-of-Government
• Continued international dialogue
• Information sharing and cooperation
• Sea and air patrols by littorals
• Legal frameworks
• Economic development ashore
Conclusion
• Freedom of the seas has always been important to U.S.
• Straits of Malacca remains vital
• No intention of direct U.S. intervention– A ready and willing partner
• Whole-of-Government approach
• Cooperation and partnerships