1. Strategic nuclear deterrence
2. A strong naval presence
3. Security of the sea lines of communications
Strategic Nuclear Deterrence
The effectiveness of the submarine-launched
ballistic missile provides the strongest deterrent in our
strategic nuclear forces. Thus that deterrent is a
stabilizing factor in the strategic nuclear balance.
Naval Presence
To achieve naval presence, the Navy deploys
operationally ready naval forces to various overseas
locations throughout the world (fig. 20-3). From these
locations, our forces can combat hostile forces and
support forward-positioned U.S. ground and air forces
as well as U.S. allies.
Security of the Sea Lines of Communications
The success of a forward military strategy depends
upon the Navy’s ability to keep the sea lines of
communications open. These lines are between the
United States and its forward deployed forces, its allies,
and those areas of the world essential for imports. The
most vulnerable areas of these sea lines are those closest
to potential hostile bases and farthest from friendly
territory. Land-based air and patrol combatant craft aid
in the protection of shipping in those areas. The
protection of the most vulnerable sea areas requires that
U.S. Navy forces be present in enough strength to defeat
hostile air, surface, and submarine threats. One of the
most demanding requirements upon the capabilities of
U.S. naval forces is overseas deployment. The
deployments place great demands upon both Navy
personnel and our multipurpose combatant ships.
REVIEW 2 QUESTIONS
Q1. List the primary tasks of the Navy’s operating
forces.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Q2. List three of the ways that the Navy uses to
modernize its arsenal.
a.
b.
c.
Q3. As determined by national strategy, what are the
missions of the U.S. Navy?
a.
b.
Q4. Navy missions are determined by national
strategy. List some of the ways the Navy carries
out their missions.
a.
b.
c.
THE U.S. MERCHANT MARINE
RESPONSIBILITY IN SEA POWER
Learning Objective: When you finish this chapter, you
will be able to—
Identify the missions and functions of the U.S.
Merchant Marine in wartime and peacetime.
Our Navy evolved from the American merchant
marine. Practically every Navy member of the
20-8
Student Notes:
