The Navy We Need: Maritime Dominance in a World of Interlocking Supply Chains

Summary:
Global supply chains depend heavily on movement of goods and material by sea, but force structure requirements for the U.S. Navy have been largely focused on priorities besides sea control. Many factors impact supply chain vulnerability, but the physical facts of ocean transportation might not be understood or appreciated. This presentation will describe the relationship between maritime forces and supply chain security and insecurity.

Bio:
Paul DeLuca is the director of the Navy and Marine Forces Program, part of the RAND National Security Research Division, and a senior engineer at RAND. DeLuca focuses on technology issues for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, SOCOM, U.S. Air Force, and Australian DoD. His recent research includes a series of analyses of alternatives for the Special Operations community and the U.S. Coast Guard. Other study topics include an analysis of methods to sustain nuclear submarine design skills in the United States, implementing open architecture systems within the AEGIS combat system, and exploring options for improved air-naval cooperation.

Prior to joining RAND, DeLuca worked as the director of engineering for Kopin Corp's optical device group. He has experience in crystal growth of nanometer scale electronic materials and holds several patents related to GaAs and GaN devices. As a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, DeLuca served five years in the submarine community.

DeLuca holds a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Northwestern University.