A Ketch Named Mastico: North Africa Maritime Security Operations
2011
Armstrong, Benjamin
In May of 1801 the United States of America became involved in the nation's first overseas conflict when the administration of Thomas Jefferson formally refused tribute demanded by the Pasha of Tripoli to halt piracy on the Barbary Coast of Africa. Tripoli immediately declared war. For decades prior to the conflict American merchants struggled with the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean. The challenge posed by the Barbary pirates to American national and economic security was the very reason for the founding of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The First Barbary War was a naval war, based on maritime causes and fought by America's young sea services. However, it wasn't a traditional naval conflict made up of fleet or squadron engagements and decisive battles at sea. America's first maritime conflict was made of maritime interception, counter-piracy, and maritime security operations as well as the organization and leadership of an insurgent force. It was a conflict that 21st century sailors would recognize and identify with, both in terms of geography and missions assigned. It can be described as the 19th century predecessor of today's naval irregular warfare campaigns.
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