Mine Warfare: Lessons Learned and Forgotten
Abstract
As the focus of maritime operations shifts from the open ocean to the littoral environment, the increasing importance of mine warfare (MIW) must be recognized and accounted for. The Joint Task Force Commander must have a thorough understanding of and appreciation for the important role MIW can play at the operational level of war. This analysis focuses on four battles/operations that involved mine countermeasures: The Battle of Mobile Bay, the amphibious landings at Inchon and Wonsan, and the planned amphibious landing into Kuwait. If the U.S. Navy is to be adequately prepared to face the growing mine warfare challenge, it must change its disinterested mind-set towards MIW Planners must appreciate how mine countermeasures can be used to shape the battlefield and facilitate operational maneuvers Furthermore, planners must understand mine warfare's limitations and the impact it can have on factor-time. Finally, operational commanders must understand the important role intelligence can play in support of mine warfare operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 23, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484287
Entities
People
- Rickson E. Evangelista
Organizations
- Naval War College