The U.S. Academic Research Fleet provides the essential science-based knowledge needed to give the U.S. a competitive advantage, ensure sustainable economic growth, and foster resilient coastal communities. The research conducted by the fleet is a crucial precursor to developing the technologies, models, and data tools necessary for the U.S. to maintain global leadership in this growing sector.
The fleet also plays a vital role in national security, as the oceans are the primary battlespace for the U.S. Navy. The fleet provides critical ocean data and intelligence to support military operations and maintain situational awareness. Furthermore, the fleet is essential for supporting and training a knowledgeable and prepared U.S. ocean workforce. At-sea research programs support highly skilled sea-going engineers and technicians and train students to meet challenges in fields such as ocean engineering, robotics, and energy. These programs also strengthen the defense industrial base and attract creative minds to solve complex military challenges.
Despite these benefits, the U.S. is falling behind other nations in its ocean research capacity, with the number of ships in the fleet declining. The fleet remains essential for deploying new technologies and making observations that cannot be easily automated. To regain leadership and influence in the growing ocean economy and to enhance understanding of oceanic and earth systems, modernizing the ocean research infrastructure is critical.
See the below papers from the Research and Education Coalition for Ocean Sciences (RECOS) to under stand the ARF's influence and importance to the US.