55.3.1 Mission

For centuries, all warships were what we now call surface combatants. Different styles developed around the ancient world: the Mediterranean, Scandinavia (Vikings), China, India, and elsewhere. The earliest purpose-built warships were probably galleys propelled by oars (and sails). Over time, innovations such as a ram, and embarked archers and soldiers for boarding were added.

In the 1400s, guns were introduced and installed in sailing ships. Over time, ships and guns grew in size, as did the number of guns. Missions included commerce raiding, convoy protection, amphibious landings, blockading ports, and the occasional set-piece battle between ships or fleets to gain control of the sea (and reap the benefits). Over time new missions have emerged, and older ones have been discarded in response to changing threats and new technologies.

A traditional mission of surface combatants, which continues today, is to provide protection to escorted forces. These could be merchant convoys, or more recently, other naval ships such as aircraft carriers, amphibious warfare ships, and underway replenishment ships. For centuries, the threat being defended against was other gun-armed surface ships; today the threat includes air and submarine threats. The threat also includes enemy weapons as well as enemy launch platforms, that is, anti-ship missiles launched from a variety of locations, including from the land.

Another long-standing mission is supporting friendly forces ashore, usually in conjunction with an amphibious landing. The U.S. Navy retained battleships long after other navies had eliminated them, primarily because the...