Countering Naval Guerrilla Warfare: Are Convoys Obsolete? Theory, History, Analysis, Implications, Mahan, Corbett, Command of the Seas, Commerce Raiding, Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this unique book examines the role of convoys to protect merchant shipping. Convoys have been a major ingredient to success in two world wars. They have also been successful in protecting shipping in modern contingency operations. Future force reductions, however, may have a significant impact on the Navy's ability to conduct convoy operations. This monograph identifies the impact that naval theorists such as Mahan and Corbett had on the United States' readiness to counter commerce raiding. It also discusses the evolution of the object of naval warfare from one dedicated to protecting shipping to that of protecting sea lanes. The Battle of the Atlantic provides insight to what extent the allies had to adapt their strategies to protect commerce. The escort operation in the Persian Gulf in the Eighties provides an example of how convoys can work in today's environment. A model is formed which helps to determine if convoys should or should not be used in future conflicts. Finally, theory, history and the analytical model are synthesized to develop an answer to the question "Are convoys obsolete?" Conclusions and implications for future operations are derived from this analysis.

Today's Navy is also undergoing a change, albeit in a different direction. The 1980's goal of a 600 ship navy, designed to counter the Soviet threat, was never accomplished. Today the popular perception is that the Soviet threat has gone away, and with it the need for a large American battlefleet. Future budget cuts are certain to reduce the size of the Navy. The structure of the new fleet, as well as its maritime policy, will be determined by the Navy's perceived mission. The Navy is tasked to organize, train, and equip naval forces for combat at sea. Naval planners try to match objectives (ENDS), the resources available (MEANS), and the missions and functions of the Navy (WAYS). For this analysis, command of the seas is the ENDS. The fleet is the MEANS. The question before us is the WAYS: how should the fleet be used to gain command of the seas?