Part 3/11:
Magaliano advocates for integrating a strong merchant fleet into national security strategy, emphasizing that maritime power isn’t just about naval ships but also a vibrant commercial shipping industry. To him, the latter is crucial for soft power, economic resilience, and surge capability.
The Debate: Building Navy vs. Commercial Fleet
The episode centers on an article from "War on the Rocks," which proposes that the U.S. focus solely on building its naval ships in traditional shipyards, while relying on allies like Japan and South Korea for merchant vessels. The authors argue that efforts to domestic produce commercial ships might divert resources away from vital naval programs, such as submarines and unmanned vessels.