Attacking Ships: Command and Control of Joint Antiship Operations
Abstract
In 1910 the Navy was launching aircraft from ships and by 1923 had launched its first aircraft carrier. During World War I aircraft flew maritime patrols and conducted antisubmarine operations. In 1921 Gen. an early proponent of air power, demonstrated the effectiveness of aircraft in antiship operations by sinking three battleships at sea. During World War II the Air Force and the Navy developed a joint maritime war-fighting capability that was decisive in the Pacific. Unfortunately, this joint capability withered as the services went their separate ways following the war. However, in the last 10 years, the Air Force and the Navy have actively developed joint maritime capabilities. Strategic Air Command B-52s routinely conduct sea surveillance, aerial mine laying, and Harpoon antiship operations, with aircraft recently dedicated to conventional nonnuclear missions. Tactical forces conduct joint maritime operations with the E-3 providing airborne warning and control and a variety of fighters involved in counterair and other missions in the maritime environment. The F-16, armed with Harpoon missiles, will soon provide the latest joint antiship capability. The research report investigates command and control doctrine of the Air Force, Navy, and Joint Chiefs of Staff and contrasts how the Air Force and the Navy implement this doctrine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA227049
Entities
People
- Robert C. Kuhlo
Organizations
- Air University