What is the Navy’s primary strategic doctrine?

The Navy’s primary strategic doctrine is the Maritime Strategy, which establishes a comprehensive framework for naval operations and outlines how naval forces should be organized, deployed, and utilized to achieve national defense objectives. This strategy emphasizes the importance of a strong maritime presence in international waters to deter potential adversaries, reassure allies, and promote regional stability. It focuses on the use of naval power to secure sea lanes, project power ashore, and contribute to joint military operations in various conflict scenarios.

The Maritime Strategy also encompasses key principles such as forward deterrence and sustaining access to critical maritime regions, which are essential given the increasingly complex and contested global maritime environment. By establishing clear objectives and priorities, this doctrine guides the Navy in developing capabilities and conducting operations that align with national security interests.

Other options, while relating to military strategy, do not serve as the primary doctrine for the Navy on their own. The Joint Warfare Strategy pertains more broadly to joint operations among all branches of the military, the Air-Sea Battle Concept focuses specifically on integrating air and naval operations against a sophisticated adversary, and the Sea Control Strategy is a component of maritime operations aimed at maintaining control of key maritime areas rather than the overarching strategic doctrine. Thus, the Maritime Strategy correctly serves as the Navy's principal