US Considers Converting Oil Platforms into Military Bases for Potential Pacific War

The US military is exploring the possibility of repurposing unused civilian oil platforms into mobile military bases in the Pacific region. The concept, called the Mobile Defense/Depot Platform (MODEP), has been proposed by US military contractor Gibbs & Cox as a potential solution to the US Navy's supply and missile defense challenges in the Pacific.

According to the proposal, the MODEP would be capable of operating independently for up to six months and could be configured for either supply or missile defense purposes. The supply version would feature cranes to reload missile launchers on US Navy ships and submarines at sea, while the missile defense variant could accommodate up to 512 vertical launch system missile cells or 100 large missile launchers.

Gibbs & Cox claims that the platforms could travel at speeds of 5-8 knots, maintain stability in waves up to 60 feet tall, and have a range of 4,000 nautical miles without refueling. The company also suggests that there are up to six commercial oil rigs that could be converted to military use at a relatively low cost due to an oversupply in the oil market, with the platforms potentially ready within two years.

Why this matters: The MODEP proposal signals a broader shift in US military strategy to bridge the gap between traditional land-based defense systems and the capabilities of the open seas. The repurposing of oil platforms into military bases could offer strategic advantages such as improved joint command capabilities and rapid strike potential in the Pacific region.

The converted rigs would serve as large, self-sufficient floating island bases, providing logistical support for US Navy surface combatants and nuclear submarines. Proponents argue that the project is a cost-effective solution compared to building a new Ballistic Missile Defense system, with an estimated cost of only 10% of the price.

However, the concept has faced criticism over potential vulnerabilities, high costs, and relative ineffectiveness. Neither the Pentagon nor the US Navy have officially commented on the proposal at this time. "The MODEP could travel at speeds of 5-8 knots, maintain stability in waves up to 60 feet tall, and have a range of 4,000 nautical miles without refueling," according to the Gibbs & Cox proposal. The future of the MODEP concept remains uncertain as the US military weighs its options for enhancing its presence and capabilities in the Pacific region.

Key Takeaways

• US exploring repurposing unused oil platforms as mobile military bases in Pacific
• Proposed "Mobile Defense/Depot Platform" could operate independently for 6 months
• Platforms could travel 5-8 knots, withstand 60-ft waves, and have 4,000-mile range
• Concept aims to bridge land-based and naval defense capabilities in Pacific
• Proposal faces criticism over vulnerabilities, costs, and effectiveness; no official comment