Surface warfare

In United States Navy doctrine, the two most important strategic objectives are interdiction and sea control.

In the second half of the 20th century, the importance of naval surface power was reduced as air and submarine warfare platforms demonstrated their capabilities, as in the Battle of Taranto, the Battle of Pearl Harbor, and the sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse.

Following World War II, guided anti-ship missiles required new[clarification needed] tactics and doctrines.

Surface combatant ships include battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and others.

In the U.S. Navy model, now widespread in the world, various types of ships would be primarily organized into the carrier battle group.

A rare occurrence of a 5-country multinational surface fleet, during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Oman Sea . In four descending columns, from left to right: Maestrale , De Grasse ; USS John C. Stennis , Charles de Gaulle , Surcouf ; USS Port Royal , HMS Ocean , USS John F. Kennedy , HNLMS Van Amstel ; and Luigi Durand de la Penne .