Sea Power: The Great Enabler

Authors

Colin S. Gray

Abstract

What is the strategic relationship between sea power and land power, with air power adjunct to, and very occasionally all but independent of, both? Two propositions are considered here. First, it is suggested that command of the sea yields a more absolute and extensive superiority in that environment than does command on land in its environment. Second, this article considers the idea that command at sea yields possibilities for influence on land superior to the influence at sea that can flow from command on land. "Command" is employed to mean a working control and not an absolute, literally exclusive—let alone ubiquitous—control. An effectively absolute control can be achieved, however.

Recommended Citation

Gray, Colin S. (1994) "Sea Power: The Great Enabler," Naval War College Review: Vol. 47: No. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol47/iss1/3