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Figure 20-1.U. S. naval sea power

Basic Military Requirements (BMR) Revised Edition
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20-1 CHAPTER 20 SEA POWER The United States is in a position of world leadership. Maintaining that position is a never-ending task that becomes harder with each crucial world situation. The Navy has a vital role in protecting world freedom. We can only maintain this freedom through a Navy that has total dedication to that end. You are an important link in our Navy’s commitment to freedom. In  the  Navy,  we,  like  our  forefathers,  must  make many sacrifices to maintain our goals. That often means being away from our homes for long periods, standing long  watches,  or  doing  arduous  work.  The  result  is fulfilling the goal of keeping the world free. As you study for advancement to petty officer, you should begin to realize your importance to the overall mission of the Navy. Advancement will be just one of the rewards you will receive for dedication and sacrifice. UNITED STATES SEA POWER Learning Objectives: When you finish this chapter, you will be able to— Recognize  the  importance  of  sea  power  in relation to today’s world. Identify the operational components of the U.S. Navy sea power. Sea power as a concept means more than military power at sea. Sea power describes a nation’s ability to protect  its  political,  economic,  and  military  interests through  control  of  the  sea.  The  principal  parts  of  sea power are naval power, ocean science, ocean industry, and ocean commerce. Sea  power  encompasses  commercial  rivalries  in peacetime,  diplomatic  maneuvering  and  the  clash  of fleets in wartime. The concept of sea power has been valid  whether  the  fleets  were  wooden  men-of-war  or mighty  battleships.  It  remains  sound  today,  although technology  has  caused  ship-to-ship  battles  to  become part of history instead of part of contemporary tactics. Captain  Alfred  Thayer  Mahan,  USN,  was  the  first person  to  use  the  term  sea power.  He  used  it  in  his principal  work,  The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783,   published  in  1890.  Mahan proposed that there were six conditions required for a nation to have sea power: 1.  An advantageous geographical position 2.  Serviceable  coastlines,  abundant  natural resources, and a favorable climate 3.  Extent of territory 4.  A population large enough to defend its territory 5.  A  society  with  an  aptitude  for  the  sea  and commercial enterprise 6.  A  government  with  the  influence  to  dominate the sea. In the decades immediately following the Civil War, the  primary  role  of  the  U.S.  Navy  was  as  coastal defender and commerce raider. The United States did not exercise sea power, but believed in the concept of national  isolation.  In  effect,  the  nation  stressed  naval expansion  within  its  own  country.  By  1890,  however, the  nation  began  naval  expansion  toward  other countries; its concept of national isolation began to ebb. Those  groups  in  the  Navy  and  in  the  government who believed in sea power endorsed Mahan’s doctrine. They based their endorsement on the belief that history provides  clues  to  achieving  maritime  supremacy. Mahan’s  concept,  therefore,  became  the  intellectual force behind the United States’development of its Navy into a sea power. During  World  War  II  the  emerging  effects  of aircraft,  aircraft  carriers,  and  radar  meant  we  fought fewer battles with ships within sight of each other. In modern naval tactics, we employ gunfire for protection Control of the seas means security. Control of the seas means peace. Control of the seas can mean victory. The United States must control the sea if it is to protect our security. —John F. Kennedy







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