From the Sea in 1950: Lessons for the 21st Century From Operation Chromite
Abstract
The Navy and Marine Corps' combined vision for the 21st Century is articulated in the joint White Paper . . . . From the Sea. The focus is designed to provide a direction for the Naval Expeditionary Forces to proceed in shaping its forces in support of the National Security Strategy. The new direction is to be shaped for joint operations and structured to build power from the sea, operating forward in the littoral regions of the world. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a historical study of the United States' last major amphibious operation, with joint/combined force during a major regional conflict. Current national demobilization trends mirror the strategic culture of the late 1940s. The study of Operation Chromite: The Inchon-Seoul Campaign of 1950, revealed a nation ill prepared to respond to a major regional conflict due to a precipitous demobilization. The operational art employed by General MacArthur during Operation Chromite capitalized on synchronized amphibious maneuver and interdiction to attack North Korean centers of gravity. The success of the operation highlighted the importance of understanding the operational art, pursuing specialized amphibious training, and maintaining the capability of generating superior firepower. The weaknesses our Naval Service will bring into the 21st Century for a littoral Navy are insufficient naval gunfire, mine countermeasures, and amphibious lift resources.... National Security Strategy and Amphibious Operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264284
Entities
People
- Henry J. Krauss Jr.
Organizations
- Naval War College