"The United States unquestionably remains the country with the largest stake in the security of the oceans. It must safeguard its 8.8 million square kilometers of exclusive economic zone (EEZ) – more than any other nation in the world2 – and nearly 21,000 kilometers of coastline.3 Most importantly, the United States still operates the world’s most advanced maritime forces and largest economy – one deeply dependent on overseas commerce in a world where a staggering nine-tenths of all trade and two-thirds of all petroleum is transported by sea." (Quoted from article)