Squids Find New Ink

When naval ships transitioned from wind-generated power using sails to steam engine generated power using coal, they received a double edged sword. While the steam engine increased the speed of naval vessels, it also created a logistical burden that was not previously needed. By using sails to capture wind and propel the vessel, naval vessels could sail as long as the crew had the supplies to sustain daily life onboard. With the introduction of the steam engine, this was no longer the case. Since steam engines required coal as a source of power, vessels had to carry large quantities of coal to cross vast expanses of ocean. Navies would have to port and load more coal to continue vast distances across the globe. This new requirement created a logistical problem that navies face to this day.


The requirement of an external fuel source for naval vessels limits the reach of a navy and forces it to conduct naval operations within reach of  refueling capabilities. One of the greatest examples of navies limited operational objectives due to fuel requirements occurred in the Pacific Theater during World War II. One of the most famous naval battles between the United States and Japan occurred as a direct consequence of logistical needs, specifically fuel. The island of Midway is approximately half-way between the United States and Japan (hence the name). This island was of critical importance for both countries, as their navies needed a base to launch operations against the other nation. Possessing the island would give either navy a decided advantage in its operational reach in the theater.

Battle of Midway

 



Go Army! Sink Navy!

Fortunately for the United States Navy today, it may not ever have this problem again. United States Navy scientists recently discovered a way to convert seawater into jet fuel. Theses scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory extracted carbon dioxide from seawater while producing hydrogen. They then turned these into hydrocarbon liquid fuel. Most of the Navy's fleet use only oil-based fuel, except for some nuclear powered aircraft carriers and submarines. Having a fuel source always on had could potentially save the Navy much time by not having to conduct at-sea refueling processes. This enables the Navy to expand its operational reach while sustaining its operations. The Navy still has some significant problems, despite this emergence in new technology. The Navy is still weak in areas regarding offensive capabilities. The most prominent problem the Navy could not fix was acquiring any M1A1/2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks. The scientists are still frantically researching methods to make the Abrams fully amphibious but all efforts thus far were unsuccessful. The Navy completely gave up on trying to find any sailors with the mental or physical capability required of being a tanker.

It's 0045 and Navy still sucks! Boom!