ABSTRACT
Soviet and Alliance maritime comparisons are derived primarily from naval force levels, the sizes of the merchant marines, and the extent of the overseas bases and facilities. In the most important category of submarines, the number of currently operational Soviet submarines is significantly larger than the United States total and somewhat larger than the Alliance count of 299. Shore-based installations are an essential part of naval operations besides the direct servicing of ships and submarines. A facility generally refers to a port or other location where access has been granted to another country's naval forces, including ships, aircraft, or submarines. The relative status and trends in the availability of bases and facilities, then, are a significant measure of the worldwide naval potential of the superpowers. By comparison, the Soviet Union has made some progress in acquiring its overseas bases and facilities.
