The Future Role of the Surface Navy in the Implementation of National Military Strategy - A Look to 2020

The United States Navy is immersed in an era of dynamic and sweeping change. Changes in the threat, the development of new technologies, and an anticipated decline in defense funding will shape the Navy of the future. This study seeks to examine the projected impact of these changes on the surface forces of the United States Navy. It examines current Maritime Strategy and its applicability for the future; the impact of future Maritime Strategy on the surface navy; the impact of technology and the threat on ship design and future surface operations; and lastly, the study examines the element of risk and its impact on the generation of future force level requirements. Keywords: Navy; Surface Navy; National military strategy; Maritime strategy; Future; Technology; Risk; Threat analysis; Military planning.