Navy League of the United States

Navy League of the United States

Citizens in Support of the Sea Services

Introducing the Navy League“Resetting Our Maritime Forces”

April 11, 2011



Supporting Sea Services of the United States

United States NavyUnited States Marine CorpsUnited States Coast GuardU. S. Flag Merchant Marine



The Navy League is a community service organization, like yours, with over 50,000 members worldwide, and 250 councils (chapters) conducting activities in local communities.

Theodore Roosevelt promoted the founding of the Navy League in 1902, which was supported by the civilian and business communities – the condition that continues today.

Everyone in this room is eligible to be a member. Prior military service is not required. We are all civilians.



Mission and Goals• Educate the men and women in our local communities, our

community leaders and elected officials about the importance of our maritime forces to defend the United States and to protect global trade and our local economies

• Support the men and women of the sea services and their families• Foster the education and development of our youth through the Naval Sea Cadet Corps and junior ROTC programs.



St. Augustine Council Key activities of our 200 members include:• Adoption of three Navy ships & 2 Coast Guard units• Adoption of USMC / BIC• Support 8 local Navy / Coast Guard Commands• Sponsor 4 Navy Junior ROTC units• Sponsor 1 Naval Sea Cadet Unit• Provide legislative affairs briefings for members of

Congress• Provide maritime public education presentations• Co-Hosted 2010 Navy League National Convention



Navy League of the United Statesand

President Theodore Roosevelt

• President Theodore Roosevelt supported the founding of the Navy League of the United States in 1902.•His support came from a desire to build a Navy fleet to protect international commerce over the oceans of the world.

As Teddy Roosevelt envisioned we are civilians educating civilians about our national and economic security via the need of our maritime nation.



Resetting Our Maritime ForcesA National Imperative

Coast Guard missions were increased after the 9/11 attacks, yet their ability to fulfill these missions has been impacted severely by •Aging and deteriorated equipment•Insufficient number of personnel •Insufficient funding that adversely affects efficient maintenance and operations



We need more ships to guarantee our maritime security



• Aging fleet• Deteriorating aircraft• Risks remain



USCG relief assistance to Haiti



Coast Guard’s operational budget• Decreased by 1%• Instead of a needed 4% or more increase



Proposals to cut personnel, eliminate security teams and decommission ships before replacements are available is not wise.

How do we know that these moves will not open long-term capability gaps similar to the ones we have been struggling to fill over the years?

Our Concern:





• The Navy League strongly believes that America’s sea services are the greatest force for peace in the world

• Resetting and Recapitalizing our maritime forces to the levels needed for our national security are in our national best interest

In closing:



The Navy League believes having a strong Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Marine Corps affects our national economic security and

your personal well being.



2011 Navy Weeks



SUPPORT & SERVE the United States

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Thank you for your attention. Q&A



Contact

William E. DudleyPresident Florida Region

Navy League of the United States904-806-4712

[email protected]

Documents

Navy League of the United States