Combating the ASW Threat with Operational Art: Ensuring Efficiency through Unity of Effort with the Theater Undersea Warfare Commander.

摘要

A shift in the U.S. Navy's strategy has changed its focus from a force dominant in the open oceans of the world to one required to establish and maintain local sea control in the littoral environment. This shift will have a significant impact on the manner in which the force is trained, equipped, led, and ultimately fought. Analysis suggests that a shift in focus to the littoral environment will open a critical vulnerability to capable modern diesel submarines operating in an anti-access/area denial role. An objective evaluation suggests that while training and equipment improvements are being addressed, a doctrinally established command structure will be required to maximize the benefits of technology to defeat this threat. This paper will explore efficiencies gained in the functions of intelligence, protection, and command organization as well as in selected principles of war based on historical examples of unifying effort under a single commander. In addition, the author describes some key qualities that a commander should possess to optimize benefits. The analysis culminates in a recommendation to establish a Theater Undersea Warfare Commander to assure the unity of effort required for success in the littoral antisubmarine warfare fight.