The history of the United States’ commercial maritime industry has always been intertwined with the nation’s global power and security. Yet, as the 21st century unfolded, the industry saw a steady decline, leaving a critical gap in the U.S. maritime enterprise — one that Returning from Ebb Tide: Renewing the United States Commercial Maritime Enterprise seeks to address. Edited by Dr. Steven Wills, the book brings to light the complexities of this decline and advocates for a renewal that is not just about economic recovery but also about enhancing national security, strengthening defense capabilities, and ultimately regaining a competitive edge on the world stage.
For Six Maritime, a company rooted in maritime security, operations, and training, Returning from Ebb Tide serves as a clarion call to contribute actively to the renaissance of U.S. maritime power. The book’s key themes — the rise and fall of U.S. commercial shipping, the urgent need for innovation, the strategic significance of a robust maritime industry, and the future of U.S. defense power — resonate deeply with Six Maritime’s core mission and operations. As the company expands its services to support the Department of Defense (DoD), shipyards, and maritime security operations, understanding these dynamics becomes essential for not only ensuring the protection of assets but also advancing the national interests.
The Decline of U.S. Commercial Maritime: From Global Leader to Ebb Tide
In the post-World War II era, the United States had a dominant maritime fleet, critical to bothglobal trade and military strength. American shipbuilders, bolstered by government policies and wartime necessity, contributed to an era of unmatched dominance in maritime affairs. However, as Returning from Ebb Tide outlines, the subsequent decades saw a dramatic shift. Following the end of the Cold War and the onset of globalization, the U.S. commercial shipping industry faced mounting challenges: reduced government support, shifting economic priorities, and the increasing influence of foreign competition.
This period of decline can be traced to policy decisions — particularly during the Reagan era — that diminished the importance of U.S. maritime infrastructure, opting for cheaper foreign alternatives. The result? An increasing reliance on foreign vessels to transport American goods, with profound implications for both economic and defense security. Today, much of the U.S. fleet has aged, and critical shipbuilding capabilities have diminished, leaving the country vulnerable to geopolitical shifts that threaten both trade and military preparedness.
Six Maritime stands poised to address the consequences of this maritime decline. As the book highlights, the lack of a sustainable, resilient maritime industry undermines both commercial trade and military defense. Six Maritime’s focus on waterborne security and training for naval vessels is part of the solution to this decline. As the U.S. continues to shift focus back toward bolstering its fleet, companies like Six Maritime provide the essential groundwork — offering the training, security services, and technology solutions necessary to support and secure modern naval assets.
Strategic Implications: Maritime Security and National Defense
One of the most striking elements of Returning from Ebb Tide is its argument for the strategic necessity of a robust maritime industry. The book stresses that a thriving commercial fleet is not only about economic growth but also directly tied to national defense. Control over maritime routes has historically been a critical lever of geopolitical influence, and in the modern era, the U.S. must reassert its position as a dominant maritime power to safeguard both its economic and security interests.
Six Maritime, through its waterborne security services, directly contributes to the U.S. Navy’s ability to operate globally. By ensuring that military vessels and shipyards are protected and that crews are trained to handle a range of maritime threats, Six Maritime plays an active role in safeguarding the U.S. Navy’s operational readiness. This aligns perfectly with the book’s call for a renewed emphasis on security within the broader maritime strategy.
Additionally, as the U.S. Navy increasingly looks toward small boat operations, unmanned systems, and offshore resupply vessels, Six Maritime’s ability to provide specialized training and security solutions for these evolving platforms positions the company as a key partner in the larger maritime security landscape. Whether it’s providing armed security for large naval vessels or offering tactical training for small boat crews, Six Maritime is directly involved in ensuring that U.S. military vessels remain secure and capable in all corners of the globe.
Innovation in Shipbuilding and the Need for a Rejuvenated Industrial Base
The book also underscores the importance of innovation in maritime technologies and shipbuilding practices. The U.S. shipbuilding industry must modernize to meet the demands of the future, particularly in terms of building hybrid vessels, incorporating autonomous technologies, and addressing the growing threat posed by adversarial powers.
Six Maritime’s role in this innovation process is twofold. First, by being deeply involved in the development and testing of unmanned maritime systems, Six Maritime supports the technological advances that will shape the future of U.S. maritime capabilities. The integration of unmanned platforms and autonomous systems into naval fleets is essential to countering threats in increasingly contested waters. The company’s ongoing work in testing unmanned technologies, such as side-scan sonar and night vision systems for waterborne threat detection, directly complements the type of innovation needed in the shipbuilding industry.
Second, Six Maritime’s focus on maritime security and training ensures that the human element of maritime defense — particularly in smaller, more agile vessels — remains a key part of the U.S. Navy’s strategy. Even as the U.S. explores unmanned systems and autonomous vessels, skilled operators will be needed to monitor, manage, and protect these assets. Six Maritime’s bespoke training courses for military and commercial operators, such as the 7M RIB course for Military Sealift Command, are directly in line with the book’s argument for the need to maintain a skilled workforce capable of operating in this high-tech maritime environment.
The Future of U.S. Maritime Power: From Ebb Tide to Resurgence
Looking ahead, Returning from Ebb Tide envisions a future where the U.S. not only rejuvenates its commercial shipbuilding capacity but also integrates these vessels into a broader, more agile naval force. The book posits that through innovations such as offshore resupply vessels, multi- mission platforms, and the integration of drone-based support systems, the U.S. Navy can enhance its lethality and operational flexibility. This is particularly relevant in the context of rising tensions in regions like the South China Sea, where adversaries possess sophisticated missile systems that challenge traditional naval doctrines.
Six Maritime is uniquely positioned to support this vision. The company’s work in offshore support services (OSVs) and its expertise in security for critical maritime assets are central to the future of U.S. naval power. As the U.S. Navy incorporates new platforms such as the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) or drone-based support vessels, Six Maritime will play an integral role in ensuring these vessels are secure, operational, and capable of performing in high-threat environments.
In addition, Six Maritime’s expanding network of partnerships with shipyards, military contractors, and defense agencies will be instrumental in helping to shape the future of U.S. maritime strength. As the country shifts back to supporting a thriving domestic maritime industry, Six Maritime stands ready to assist in securing and training the workforce necessary to operate the fleet of tomorrow.
Conclusion: Six Maritime and the Path Forward
Returning from Ebb Tide paints a compelling picture of a U.S. maritime enterprise at a crossroads. The challenges outlined in the book are formidable, but they also present an unprecedented opportunity to rejuvenate the U.S. commercial maritime industry and, by extension, strengthen national defense.
Six Maritime’s work directly supports the renewal of U.S. maritime power. Through its emphasis on security, innovation, and specialized training, the company ensures that the nation’s naval assets — whether manned or unmanned — are prepared to meet the challenges of the future. As the U.S. moves to revitalize its commercial maritime industry, Six Maritime is committed to being a cornerstone in this effort, playing a vital role in the secure, effective, and sustainable operation of U.S. naval assets and commercial vessels alike.
The path to maritime resurgence is long and complex, but with companies like Six Maritime at the forefront, the future of U.S. maritime power looks brighter than ever.