ABSTRACT
The main methods of containing enemy naval forces are: naval blockade, posing a threat to critical positions/areas, and strategic diversions. The enemy forces would be destroyed or neutralized over time. The only exception is a naval blockade, which could be planned as a major naval/joint operation. However, in contrast to a major fleet-vs-fleet operation, a naval blockade would accomplish its ultimate operational and in many cases partial strategic objective only over time. The great majority of actions in conducting a naval blockade would be tactical in size. The most prevalent method of containment of the enemy fleet is by conducting a blockade of its bases/ports. A naval blockade is aimed to prevent the enemy's use of naval power. During the American Civil War, the Federal Navy captured many islands and ports, primarily to reinforce the Union blockade of the Southern states. The effectiveness of a blockading force is much higher if it is composed of both deep- and shallow-draft vessels.
