Combat operations at sea

This chapter focuses on combat operations at sea. It explores how control can be exploited at sea. The concept, masquerading under a variety of different names, was generally recognised to be the critical enabler for most maritime operations. Indeed, its importance was identified by some as one of the most enduring features of naval warfare. Navies and commentators alike generally agree that command of the sea, in an absolute sense, is as unrealistic as it is unnecessary. The emphasis instead is on sea control, which tends to be defined and articulated in a manner that is redolent of Julian Corbett's approach. Sea denial represents an attempt to deny an adversary use of a sea area without necessarily being able to control that area oneself. Naval warfare is platform-centric. Changes to those platforms, and to the threats that they face, inevitably bring change to the tactical conduct of naval operations.