a guide to peace support operations - The Watson Institute for ...

Part III, Section 3, paragraphs 3-4
(3) Auxiliaries
This class contains vessels of all sizes. Of relevance to PSOs is the fact
that critical support capabilities are often found on these ships. In
addition to ships that carry bulk supplies of food, munitions, POL
(petroleum, oil, lubricants), and other stores, the auxiliary class also
consists of ships that perform specialist functions such as medical care
(hospital ships) and repair and maintenance of shore-based equipment.
4. Naval Tasks in Peace Support Operations
The three broad peacetime functions of sea power can be categorized as diplomatic,
constabulary, and military, and correspond to low-, mid-, and high-level peace support
operations identified in Part I. The potential for naval involvement in peace operations
is expanding and naval forces have a role to play in disputes that are centered ashore.
Almost as long as there have been naval forces, naval units have helped to enforce
embargoes, contributed to nation-building by their presence in inland river deltas, served
as floating bases offshore, and provided a venue for peace meetings off the coast. Outside
territorial waters, warships have freedom of movement and can “poise” close to a coastal
state without infringing on its sovereignty. Warships can be deployed to a crisis for
lengthy periods without increasing anxiety levels in the host state. These examples
illustrate the versatility of naval forces in contributing to missions that fall short of war
fighting. With their reach and flexibility, navies are a key asset in a wide variety of crises.
a. Naval Diplomacy
Naval diplomacy is action designed to influence leaders of a state or faction in
which naval forces can be used to deter and coerce troublemakers or support and
reassure a fragile host government. Naval forces can be used symbolically to send
a message while not posing a threat themselves. The deployment of a substantial
multinational naval force could indicate a readiness to use force and the political
will to intervene.
b. Evacuation Operations
Where land options are deemed risky, or when airfields are closed, naval forces
can conduct evacuation operations from ports, helicopter landing zones, or, if
necessary, across a beachhead. Amphibious forces can be landed to secure and
defend beachheads and air heads, establish muster points for evacuees, protect
routes, and move evacuees to safety before withdrawing.
c. Sealift
Sealift refers to the strategic capability to transport and deliver bulk equipment
and supplies on a global scale. In a PSO, key elements of the response group will
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