U.S. Navy Prepares for Militarization of Arctic [View All]

[phantom power]

While hoping for a future of cooperation with other nations, the U.S. Navy is simultaneously planning for potential combat situations that may arise once global warming has melted the Arctic Ocean’s summer ice within two decades. A 35-page memo from the Department of the Navy spells out a five-year plan expressing the need to develop new technology and strategies in the event things become contentious in the open waters of the Arctic Circle by 2030.

“This opening of the Arctic may lead to increased resource development, research, tourism, and could reshape the global transportation system,” read the memo authored by Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, vice-chief of Naval Operations. “These developments offer opportunities for growth, but also are potential sources of competition and conflict for access and natural resources.”

Naval officials want America’s sea-faring forces to be able to execute undersea warfare, expeditionary warfare, strike warfare, strategic sealift and regional security co-operation.

http://www.allgov.com/ViewNews/US_Navy_Prepares_for_Militarization_of_the_Arctic_91130