The world’s oceans are the world’s highways for the transport of goods and the conduct of commerce. The oceans are also barriers to wholesale invasion by enemy troops, yet they provide efficient routes of access to spy on those enemies and aid our friends. Mastery of undersea warfare is therefore vital, for whoever controls the ocean’s depths controls its surface — and thus controls much of the world. Seapower, strongly employed, is key to protecting peaceful societies everywhere.
To some questions about the future of national defense, valid answers will be critical to preserve democracy and freedom: Which gaps in our security posture, or blind spots in our thinking, could be exploited in the years to come by a shrewd, aggressive emerging Evil Empire or Axis of Conspiracy? From what unforeseen quarter might the next bloody surprise attack fall? What sacrifices and feats of courage will America and our allies need to prevail in the almost inevitable, eventual Next Big War? Perhaps the only certainty is that heroic submariners and SEALs will play an indispensable part in deterring that war, or in winning it.
JOE BUFF
May 31, 2003
Dutchess County, New York
About the Author
JOE BUFF is a Life Member of the U.S. Naval Institute, the Naval Submarine League, the Navy League of the United States, the CE/Seabees Historical Foundation, and the Fellows of the Naval War College. Admired for his technical knowledge, he is considered an expert in submarines and national defense. Two of his nonfiction articles about future submarine technology and tactics have won Annual Literary Awards from the Naval Submarine League. He is the author of the highly regarded novels of submarine warfare: Crush Depth, Thunder in the Deep, Deep Sound Channel, and the upcoming Straits of Power. Mr. Buff lives with his wife in Dutchess Country, New York. You can visit his website at www.joebuff.com.