I would like to share a few thoughts that might be of interest: 1) Where our Navy and Coalition Partners, many of whom are represented here tonight, are operating today; 2) Navy league mission; and 3) St. Louis, your host city.
In 2012 there is an emphasis on Naval Operations in support of the African Continent. Africa, with one billion in population, vast natural resources and untapped human potential, has the power to assist the world economy and aid world stability. Problems: Illegal fishing costs Africa up to $1 billion per year. 90% of maritime piracy hijackings occur off the coast of Africa, specifically Somalia. The global cost of piracy ranges as high as $16 billion per year. Illegal oil bunkering (blood oil) totaled approximately $100 billion (7% – 150,000 barrels a day) and is fueling a long-running insurgency that undermines security in the Gulf of Guinea and adds to instability on world energy markets. 13 % of cocaine to Europe was trafficked via West Africa with 35 percent of these drugs trafficked via sea routes. What happens in Africa impacts the rest of the world, and Africa’s maritime environment is integral to the continent. Maritime security is essential for global stability. There is a relationship between maritime security, governance, economic development, prosperity, global stability and peace which is why U.S. Naval Forces are committed to a successful Africa Partnership. A continent with one-seventh of the world’s population and 20.2 percent of the world’s landmass, and a region that’s exporting oil to all corners of the globe makes the continent and coalition building a priority. Navies of the United Kingdom, Brazil, France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands,Spain,Denmark and Germany are participating. African economies are dependent on maritime trade. They were losing billions of dollars and encountering significant challenges when it came to illegal fishing, blood oil, piracy, illicit trade, narcotics, illegal immigration and environmental degradation. In policing their territorial waters, they’re realizing economic benefits such as taking control of their fisheries so they have an ample food supply. The Coast Guard as the leading maritime law enforcement agency has been able to assist the Navy in this effort. More money into navies means less money into ground forces, which is why politicians are reluctant to invest in maritime improvements however it’s the oceans that bind countries together. The Navy continues to adopt humanitarian-and education-focused solutions to regional areas that could become hotspots for future conflict. Navy Medicine is providing inoculations to save lives for example. What we’re doing in Africa is very simple said Adm Norton: Maritime security allows for economic opportunity which allows for prosperity.
Navy League.
President Teddy Roosevelt was the first president to see the relevance of sea power. After the civil war our navy had declined in size and its mission was primarily coastal defense. Roosevelt’s background included time as an asst. sec of the navy and as president, he saw America as a growing economic power. He saw an opportunity to expand US influence thru sea power. He went on a ship building program and created the Great White Fleet. He ordered a flotilla to travel around the world making multiple port calls to show the US Flag. He wanted a civilian organization to be an advocate for sea power so he created the Navy League in 1903. Our mission in addition to sea power advocacy is supporting sea service families and youth programs. Your attendance tonight is a means we use to support this mission and I thank you for coming. We hold other events and would be honored to have your presence.
St. Louis.
As you travel you will realize ancestors of US citizens stem from every country you represent. St. Louis is no different in that our history reflects several nationalities. The Spanish and French flag have flown over the land you are seated on. St. Louis was once a French territory and named after King Louis lX whose statue can be found a few miles west of here in Forest Park. In 1803 Napoleon sold the territory of which St. Louis was part to President Thomas Jefferson, in a real estate deal known as theLouisiana Purchase for $15 million dollars. St. Louis is known as a cross roads city: it has the industrial base of a northern city; the culture of an east coast city; the hospitality of a southern city; and was a key city in westward expansion which is represented by the Arch. St. Louis is home to companies like Boeing, mfgr of the world’s greatest military aircraft, AB the King of Beers, samples of which are on your table, Olin, a manufacturer of ammunition, other international companies and several great educational institutions with world influence including St. Louis University and Webster University. After you return home my hope is you will remember St. Louis fondly for its history, culture, educational institutions and products.
This concludes our evening together. Thanks for attending and travel safely.