Soviet Naval Theory and Policy: Gorshkov's Inheritance

Abstract

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On Contested Shores: The Evolving Role of Amphibious Operations in the History of Warfare, volume 2

“…104 The landing force was generally escorted by a close screen of fast attack craft and antisubmarine warfare vessels, preceded by mine warfare vessels, accompanied by a fire support ship detachment, and protected by antiair warfare combatants pushed 30-50 km down the likely threat axis. 105 The Soviets desired to conduct the embarkation and sea transit during one period of darkness, arriving at the debarkation area.…”

“…104 Synthetic fuels are also pitched as a way to help the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense meet its net-zero climate goals, and could be a way to help U.S. forces in Europe cut their reliance on petroleum fuels sourced from Russia. 105 The U.S. Army and Air Force are both pursuing different micronuclear reactor projects to generate power for austere bases and reduce their consumption of petroleum fuel. The Army's Project Pele will demonstrate a "mobile microreactor" and the Air Force plans to operate a microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, by 2027.…”

“…104 However, the commandos ultimately organized porter platoons to carry supplies and ammunition forward to support their attacks. 105 As a final analysis, it is difficult to argue with Brigadier Thompson's assessment that "it is hard to imagine a brigade more suited to the tasks that lay ahead," including inland maneuver in a sub-Antarctic environment, due to its organization, training, equipping, and experience in mountain winter warfare. 106 C O N C L U S I O N These three historical cases unsurprisingly demonstrate that forces prepared for conditions-the Germans at Narvik and the British in the Falklands-were able to conduct successful inland maneuver after polar or near-polar amphibious landings.…”

“…As then-Major Leo P. Spaeder asked Commandant David H. Berger, "Sir, who am I?" 105 While concepts and capabilities may change, however, the human nature of war remains the same. As the tides of naval combat change from amphibious operations to expeditionary advanced base operations, a steady stream of support springs forth from security cooperation with allies and partners on key terrain.…”

“…104 Soviet naval experience in the Great Patriotic War was "almost exclusively" limited as the Soviet Navy was " 'the faithful handmaiden' of the Army ground forces." 105 Perhaps nowhere was this more evident than around Kerch-Eltigen in 1943-44. In a postwar analysis, Admiral of the Fleet Ivan Isakov remarked:…”