Since the end of the Cold War, the United States Navy has transferred over 200 former ships to various foreign governments, encompassing a range of vessel types, including destroyers, frigates, and auxiliary ships. This strategy reflects the U.S. government’s approach to foreign military sales and assistance, aimed at bolstering allied navies and promoting maritime security worldwide.
Overview of Transfers
The ships transferred include:
- 6 Guided Missile Destroyers (DDGs)
- 16 Destroyers (DDs)
- 15 Guided Missile Frigates (FFGs)
- 43 Frigates (FFs)
These vessels have found new life in countries with established naval programs and robust domestic shipbuilding industries, such as Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Greece, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, and Venezuela. The decision to transfer these ships is often driven by strategic alliances and the need to support partner nations in maintaining regional security.
Economic Implications
The transfer of these ships has significant implications for the U.S. shipbuilding industry. The lost export opportunities due to the transfer of these vessels can only be speculated upon, but estimates suggest that if purchased new today, these ships would be valued at approximately $30 billion. This figure underscores the potential economic impact on the domestic shipbuilding industry, which could have benefited from both the production and maintenance of these vessels.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the U.S. Navy, along with all U.S. government departments and agencies, is expected to assist the domestic shipbuilding industry in increasing its exports of naval vessels. The paradox here lies in the simultaneous transfer of active U.S. Navy ships overseas while advocating for the growth of the domestic shipbuilding sector.
A Closer Look at Transfer Statistics
Here is a summary of some notable transfers of former U.S. Navy ships:
| Date | Country | Type | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/06/87 | Turkey | AD | 17 |
| 06/10/97 | Dominican Republic | AFDL | 1 |
| 06/30/90 | Philippines | AFDL | 40 |
| 12/07/92 | Mexico | AG | 192 |
| 10/01/92 | Mexico | AGOR | 4 |
| 11/21/90 | Brazil | AGOR | 6 |
| 09/28/92 | Chile | AGOR | 10 |
| 11/02/92 | Tunisia | AGOR | 12 |
| 01/06/95 | Portugal | AGOS | 5 |
| 12/09/96 | Portugal | AGOS | 11 |
| 10/10/96 | New Zealand | AGOS | 17 |
| 10/01/99 | Turkey | AGS | 26 |
| 09/29/95 | Turkey | AGS | 33 |
| 02/21/82 | South Korea | AOG | 77 |
| 04/20/89 | Pakistan | AR | 7 |
| 07/13/93 | Argentina | ARD | 23 |
| 09/30/98 | Taiwan | ARS | 43 |
Notable Ship Types and Destinations
The transfers have included various ship types, such as:
- Auxiliary Ships (AG): These are non-combat vessels that support naval operations, such as supply ships and research vessels. Countries like Mexico and Brazil have received significant numbers of these ships.
- Destroyers (DD) and Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG): These warships are designed for multi-role missions and have been transferred to countries like Turkey and Greece. For example, Greece has received multiple DDGs over the years, enhancing its naval capabilities.
- Frigates (FF): Often smaller than destroyers but still vital for various operations, these vessels have been transferred to nations such as Turkey, Pakistan, and Mexico.
The transfer of former U.S. Navy ships to foreign governments represents a complex interplay of military strategy, economic opportunity, and international relations. While these transfers have helped bolster the naval capabilities of allied nations, they have also raised questions about the implications for the U.S. shipbuilding industry. As the U.S. continues to navigate its role in global maritime security, it must also consider the impact of these transfers on its domestic shipbuilding capacity and the long-term effects on its military-industrial base.