NAVAL SERVICE ROLES AND MISSIONS IN LITTORAL WARFARE

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