Naval technology is cutting edge, lethal and agile — just like our fighting forces. You will find high-tech operations everywhere the Navy and Marine Corps answer the nation's call to service — sea, air and land. Places you would expect — and some places that you wouldn't — like in the Navy and NASCAR partnership, which you can read about in this issue.
Agility is the watchword for expeditionary naval forces who respond to diverse missions whether engaged in major combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Leyte, Republic of Philippines, or search and rescue operations in the Red Sea.
But the Chief of Naval Operations reports that the Navy is tackling new missions every day in ways that don't involve ships. More than 10,000 Sailors are currently on the ground in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, 4,000 of whom are in Iraq. Recently, the Navy took command of the detainee mission in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and a new high-security prison in Iraq. In April, a Navy admiral will take command of the Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in Djibouti.
The CNO has discussed the increasing demand for Special Operations Forces and the creation of a Foreign Area Officer Community. Soon, the Navy will have a riverine capability that will extend the reach of the newly established Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and Expeditionary Security Force into the world's shallow waterways.
Training and working with U.S. allies and coalition nations will be instrumental in securing the Navy's success in these new mission areas.
Whether assisting our friends and allies worldwide at sea or on shore, projecting a forward presence or combating terrorism, the limits of Sea Power seemingly know no bounds.
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