Page 38 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

N AVAL OPERATIO NS AN D S UPPORT FUNCTIO NS 43

A naval battle group steaming in an old-style circular formation in the Mediterranean Sea. Destroyers and frigates are the bulk of the circular
screen, wit.h four fast ships of the mobile logistics support force in the rear. Two submarines, a cruiser, and two aircraft carriers steam in the
protected circle. Today these ships would be much more spread out, with most not even in sight of one another.

Unified and specified commanders typically organize their a staff officer if he or she so chooses. In such cases, the staff officer
forces for specific warfighting tasks by forming a joint task force. exercises that authority "by direction" of the commander.
Joint task forces are composed of forces from two or more ser-
vices. The services provide forces to the joint task force, whose
Striking Forces
commander organizes these forces into operational and support
components as the mission demands. For most types of modern A strike is a form of power projection meant to damage, seize, or
operations, naval forces are assigned as part of a joint task force. destroy an objective. Types of naval forces used to make strikes
A commander may establish various support relationships are carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. These ships may
between subordinate commanders when one unit or organization operate independently or together. If they operate together, they
can aid, protect, complement, or sustain another force. A com- are called a strike group. Naval striking forces carry out national
mander normally establishes a support relationship by directing military policy, in peace or in war. Their presence near a trouble
one force (the supporting force) to provide support to another spot may serve as a stabilizing influence.
(the supported force). Mobility, one of the greatest assets of naval striking forces, and
To help carry out command responsibilities, commanders are a constant state of readiness enable them to make surprise attacks
also normally assigned a stajfappropriate to their level of conm1and. from any point on navigable waters. A modern naval strike may
The staff assists the conunander in carrying out his or her duties by range from coastal regions to great distances inland, depending on
providing specialized expertise and allowing a division of labor. The the weapons used. A naval striking force can be available immedi-
staff is not part of the chain of command and thus has no author- ately for prompt and decisive action if international disputes occur.
ity of its own, although the commander may delegate authority to