ABSTRACT
This part conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters. The part explains the importance of surface ships in past naval encounters. It shows a continuing and evolving role for amphibious, mine warfare, and auxiliary forces despite frequent obituaries by “forward-thinking” strategists. The part provides an overview of the decision to reactivate battleships. It suggests that the Navy is trying to define the role of battleships. The part reviews their roles in surface action group as flagships and training ships. It argues that the mix endorsed by the chief of naval operations is the correct one. The part presents a seal of approval on the direction of Navy programs, that is, nuclear carrier construction, the Arleigh Burke class of destroyers, the Aegis system, and so on. Tomahawk’s immediate effect, will be to improve the US Navy’s antisurface ship capability at a time when the Soviet Navy is still building up its surface forces.
