Temporary Pier in Gaza and Global Security

the Pier, the Suwałki Gap and Taiwan

David August

10 Jun 2024 — 3 min read

Army mariners construct floating pier off Bowen, Australia for Talisman Sabre in 2023 — public domain photo by Sgt. David Resnick

the Pier, the Suwałki Gap and Taiwan

“Today [June 8, 2024], a total of approximately 492 metric tons (~1.1 million pounds) of much needed humanitarian assistance was delivered to the people of Gaza.” — US Central Command press release 1

This was done via the temporary pier, part of the US military’s Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) capability.

The Suwałki Gap is a narrow border area between Lithuania and Poland, separating the Russian area (exclave) of Kaliningrad from Belarus. If war broke out with Russia and Belarus on one side and NATO on the other, Russia capturing the 4o mile (65 km) Suwałki Gap would cut off NATO’s attempts to defend and support the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia by land.

Taiwan is an island about 100 miles (160 km) off the coast of mainland China. If war broke out and China were to try to blockade the island or destroy existing port infrastructure, it could cut off US and allied attempts to defend and support Taiwan.

The temporary pier in Gaza (built in a dynamic situation of rough seas, nearby war and without any Americans needing to be on the land) not only helps get aid to those who need it there, it shows to the world: the US can render assistance without land links or other obstacles being removed first. Russia and China are less likely to attack neighbors when the US can connect, aid and reinforce people anyway, and can physically do so at the sole discretion of the United States.

Security in Europe, Asia and the Middle East is improved by this single pier. Its simple existence has already made war-like behavior less appealing to those who might jeopardize the lives of billions on at least 2 continents. This helps make the world more safe.

Contrary to what some claim, the temporary pier has never been intended to solve, by itself, the need for aid in Gaza. Difficulties that have been encountered are standard and expected for any JLOTS operation. Its intention has always been to “…allow for the delivery of additional humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in need” (US Central Command press release 2) and it is doing exactly that, as intended. It also has demonstrated to everyone everywhere that war in various places is less advantageous, and it encourages countries not to start or expand such wars.

The world is a big place, and relatively small moves can make it better and safer for all of us. They are well worth the resources used and sacrifices made to make this pier a reality.

Quote sources:
(1) https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/3800952/humanitarian-aid-flow-resumes-in-gaza/
(2) https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/3764506/update-on-the-construction-of-the-joint-logistics-over-the-shore-capability-in/

David August is an award-winning actor, acting coach, writer, director, and producer. He plays a role in the movie Dependent’s Day, and after its theatrical run, it’s now out on Amazon (affiliate link). He has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC, on the TV show Ghost Town, and many others. His artwork has been used and featured by multiple writers, filmmakers, theatre practitioners, and others to express visually. Off-screen, he has worked at ad agencies, start-ups, production companies, and major studios, helping them tell stories their customers and clients adore. He has guest lectured at USC’s Marshall School of Business about the Internet.

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