Naval Operations Concept - Defense Technical Information Center

Naval Operations Concept 2010
Many nations, including the United States, have national security interests
in the Arctic. The Naval Service is prepared to operate in this unique
and harsh environment, either independently or in conjunction with
other nations. However, the lack of environmental awareness, navigation
capabilities, and supporting infrastructure, as well as competing
jurisdictional and resource claims, are significant challenges that must be
overcome by naval forces. At a minimum, this will require the episodic
deployment of submarines, icebreakers or ice-capable ships to the Polar
Regions, as well as increased investments in icebreaking capabilities and
associated technologies.
Summary
The Naval Service employs globally distributed, mission-tailored forces to
accomplish a wide range of missions that promote stability, prevent
crises, and combat terrorism; while maintaining the capability to
regionally concentrate credible combat power to protect U.S. vital interests;
assure its friends; and deter, dissuade, and if necessary, defeat potential
adversaries. Persistent forward presence, generated through a combination
of forward stationed and rotationally deployed naval forces, provides
American policymakers with an expansive range of options to shape and
respond to the security challenges of the 21 st century.