This study analyzes the possibility of using Iowa Class battleships in an economy of force role as commerce raiders. It used the historical example of the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee as a basis for the study. It analyzed the German raider in order to obtain lessons learned which could be applied to a contemporary situation. The study then examined the maritime strategy of both the United States and the Soviet Union to determine the use and positioning of their fleets at the outbreak of a global war. It also looked at the size, mission, and military value of the Soviet Merchant Marine. This information was used to develop a possible scenario where an Iowa Class battleship could be deployed as a commerce raider and conduct its operations in accordance with international law. The findings of this study were that it is possible to use an Iowa Class battleship as a commerce raider under a specific set of conditions. It determined also that this may not be the best use of available assets, and suggests the development of a class of ship specifically for commerce warfare.

ADA 185287 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)