U.S. Navy Roles During the Cold War Era, 1945–1991

Introduction

The period from 1945 to 1991 is commonly known as the Cold War period. Stretching from the end of World War II to the fall of the U.S.S.R., the Cold War saw a decades-long struggle between Communism and Democracy. With dramatically expanded capabilities, the U.S. Navy in particular — and its allies by association — was engaged in a "Containment Strategy," walling off Communism and preventing its spread throughout the world. For its part, the U.S.S.R. and its allies were equally dedicated to spreading Communism across the globe. In addition to its multifaceted containment role during the Cold War, the United States Navy engaged in Japanese security measures and made notable contributions to the Space Program.

Naval Power and the Cold War Containment Strategy

During the Cold War era, running from the end of World War II in 1945 to the fall of the U.S.S.R. in 1991,¹ the world was caught up in the struggle between Communism and Democracy. The resources of nations, including their navies, were significantly devoted to this 45-plus year struggle. During the presidency of Harry S. Truman, and continuing for the duration of the Cold War, the United States adopted a "Containment Strategy,"² attempting to erect a wall of military might around Communism throughout the world. Within this framework, the navies of the United States and its allies chiefly employed seagoing vessels, aircraft, and amphibious vessels to establish and maintain that wall for members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Far East regions.³

The United States Navy, in particular, was used to exert outright firepower; to establish, maintain, and control the seas and air; to conduct shows of force, reconnaissance, and key assistance to other forces; and to keep watch and assert a powerful presence. Its roles further included amphibious assaults, transfers of troops and materiel, escorts, search and seizure of suspect vessels, supportive air and naval operations, explosive demolitions, blockades and embargoes, naval feints, commando operations, destruction of the enemy's use of the sea, psychological warfare, and the discouragement or defeat of attacks on the United States.⁴ The Navy also maintained nuclear capabilities⁵ and intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities.⁶

Key Conflicts and Soviet Naval Competition

These capabilities came into play in varying degrees in disputes involving the U.S.S.R., North and South Korea, China and Taiwan, Vietnam and surrounding countries, Cuba, Israel and the PLO, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Grenada, Iran, Kuwait, and Iraq. Meanwhile, the U.S.S.R. and its allies' navies were dedicated to spreading Communism worldwide through their own developed capabilities — with the U.S.S.R.'s capabilities in particular eventually rivaling those of the U.S. Navy.⁷ For more on the broader naval dimensions of the Cold War, including submarine competition, the historical record offers extensive documentation of this maritime rivalry.

Conclusion

During the period stretching from 1945 to 1991, the major powers of the world were engaged in a Cold War that significantly occupied their military resources, including their naval forces. Spanning the globe, this war was primarily fought by the United States and its allies according to a "Containment Strategy" — using a wall of military might to surround and limit the spread of Communism. The United States Navy, in particular, sought to dominate the world's seas through its expanding capabilities and aided in conflicts involving the U.S.S.R., North and South Korea, China and Taiwan, Vietnam and surrounding countries, Cuba, Israel and the PLO, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Grenada, Iran, Kuwait, and Iraq. For their part, the navies of the U.S.S.R. and its allies were equally dedicated to spreading Communism, with U.S.S.R. capabilities eventually rivaling those of the U.S. Navy. In addition to its multifaceted containment role in the Cold War, the United States Navy was instrumental in building and maintaining the security of Japan and in contributing manpower and naval capabilities to aid in the U.S. Space Program.