Q2. List some of the Navy’s missions during the
Vietnam Police Action.
a.
b.
c.
Q3. What are other actions the Navy was involved
with during the same timeframe as the Vietnam
Police Action?
a.
b.
Q4. What service did the Navy provide during the
Iraq – Iran War?
Q5. List the Navy’s contributions during Operation
Dessert Storm.
a.
b.
c.
SUMMARY
The United States Navy began more than 200 years
ago with two ships, but today we are the finest naval
force in history. The history of the Navy is a big story
and an exciting one. We’ve only rippled the surface
here, but maybe we’ve stimulated your curiosity enough
that you will want to take a closer look at your Navy’s
past. If so, visit your ship or station library. You will find
many fine books on naval history there.
From Flamborough Head to the Persian Gulf, the
U.S. Navy has always been “on station” in time of
trouble. The U.S. Navy’s mission of preparedness to
conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea
means the U.S. Navy will be present at the first sign of
conflict.
U. S. Navy ships continued to change with even
greater momentum, ushering in another new era—that
of nuclear propulsion, jet power, rockets, and guided
missiles. New types of ships have emerged—ships
such as guided-missile cruisers, tactical command
ships, and helicopter flattops. The era of the 50s, 60s,
70s, 80s, and on into the 90s has seen the emergence of
the nuclear Navy.
The heart of today’s nuclear fleet is a highly
complicated unit known as the nuclear reactor, which
offers the following advantages:
Almost unlimited steaming endurance at high
speed. Nuclear ships have increased flexibility;
an ability to obtain ammunition, aviation fuel,
and other supplies from remote places in a
minimum amount of time; and an attack ability
in a much greater area.
Reduced vulnerability. Nuclear ships need not
remain exposed as long as nonnuclear vessels
during replenishment. They can maneuver to
avoid attack.
Reduced dependence on logistic support. Nuclear
ships require fewer mobile support forces.
Greater attack effectiveness. Nuclear ships can
remain in battle areas for a greater length of time
and have a greater ability to exploit weather
conditions to their advantage.
Elimination of huge funnels. That provides more
room for such items as a big, powerful radar.
Power available upon command. Nuclear
reactors eliminate the need to order “more
boilers on the line” a half hour before full power
is desired. Heat is produced in the nuclear
reactor; in turn, steam and power is produced
with little delay. Reduction from full power to
one-third or stop is equally responsive.
Reduced maintenance. The absence of corrosive
stack gases cuts down on the wear and tear of the
ships and a lot of at-sea and in-port repairs.
The Navy has been advancing in other areas of the
surface fleet as well. An example is the new amphibious
assault ships (LHAs). The LHAs are the largest and
fastest amphibious ships in the Navy inventory and offer
the greatest operational versatility in the history of
amphibious warfare.
The size of the LHAs alone is impressive. The first of
the LHAs, the USS Tarawa, is 820 feet long and 106 feet
wide. The high point of its mast is 221 feet above the keel,
and it has a full displacement of 39,300 tons. It can carry a
large landing force with all its equipment and supplies,
landing them either by helo or amphibious craft or both.
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