NAVAL SERVICE ROLES AND MISSIONS IN LITTORAL WARFARE

The end of the Cold War and the potential increase of worldwide regional conflicts have produced a significant change in U.S. military and maritime strategy. Many future conflicts will involve joint operations of all forces and will include situations that culminate in massive and highly coordinated power projection operations from the sea. Littoral operations present many stressing and unique challenges and require some rethinking of the broad range of naval roles and missions. This article examines the naval roles, missions, and implications of littoral operations, and identifies key technologies and capabilities required to meet the objectives with maximum effect and minimum losses.