ABSTRACT
One of the principal tasks of naval strategy in peacetime is to build or acquire a sufficient number of naval and air bases to allow one's forces to accomplish national and military strategic objectives in wartime. A fleet cannot sustain its strength unless it possesses an adequate basing area from which to deploy or redeploy, and to which when necessary retreat. Bases are the principal centers of all naval and air activity in a given sea area. A large number of geographically favorable bases capable of accommodating the major part of a fleet significantly facilitates its employment in combat. Even an inferior fleet retains its value as long as it possesses a sufficient number of well-protected bases, because they offer freedom of movement.1 Seizing, controlling, and protecting one's naval bases was an important element of naval strategy in all eras. One of the prerequisites for conducting a successful blockade is the possession of a sufficient number of naval bases favorably located to keep the enemy fleet in check.
