Merchant Marine Manpower Deficit: Another Setback for Pete Buttigieg?

Trump's Warning

Former President Donald Trump issued a warning on Sunday, stating that the future would be bleak under Kamala Harris as she could potentially lead the country into a nuclear World War III. This statement comes amidst escalating conflicts in Eastern Europe, rising tensions in the Middle East, and increasing threats in the South China Sea.

Woke Activism vs Effective Management

Many have criticized the Biden-Harris administration for prioritizing their progressive ideologies over effective management of the nation. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is often singled out as an example of this, with critics accusing him of focusing more on promoting diversity and racial equity rather than executing his duties effectively. His handling of the Ohio train derailment, the nationwide EV charger rollout, and a series of mid-air mishaps in commercial aviation have all been cited as examples of his alleged incompetence.

Buttigieg's Latest Failure

Buttigieg's list of failures seems to be growing, with the latest involving a serious manpower deficit in the Merchant Marines. The Military Sealift Command has reportedly drafted a plan to remove the crews from 17 Navy support ships due to a lack of qualified mariners. As the Merchant Marines fleet falls under the jurisdiction of the Maritime Administration, an agency of the Department of Transportation, Buttigieg is ultimately responsible for this issue.

The Impact of the Manpower Deficit

According to Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, the Merchant Marines currently lack sufficient manpower to keep the 17 support ships operational. These ships, which include replenishment vessels and tankers, are crucial for delivering military personnel and weapons worldwide. Under Buttigieg's watch, this has evolved into a crisis of war preparedness, exacerbating the already escalating global conflicts.

Details of the Labor Shortage

USNI News provides more information on the labor shortage affecting the Merchant Marines. The Military Sealift Command operates a fleet of logistics ships that refuel and resupply the Navy's ships globally, crewed by 5,500 civilians employed by the Navy. However, for every position on an MSC ship, there are only about 1.27 mariners available to fill the roles, a ratio that is unsustainable in the long run.

Implications for National Security

Montgomery also pointed out that the lack of experienced merchant mariners to crew the ships poses a clear danger to national security. Despite this, Buttigieg has faced little to no accountability for his failures, the latest of which threatens the logistical backbone of the entire Navy amidst rising nuclear war threats.

Call for Accountability

Many are calling for accountability and questioning why Buttigieg seems to prioritize racial equity in roads over preparing for potential global conflicts. The series of failures by the Biden-Harris administration, with no apparent accountability for taxpayers, has led some to wonder if the nation is being deliberately undermined.

Bottom Line

As the world faces escalating conflicts and potential threats, the importance of effective leadership and management cannot be overstated. The recent manpower deficit in the Merchant Marines is a serious issue that could have far-reaching implications for national security. It is crucial for those in positions of power, like Pete Buttigieg, to prioritize their responsibilities and ensure that the nation is adequately prepared for any potential threats. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and let them know about the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.