A number of operations, that clearly demonstrated naval crisis-response capabilities during the past year, are discussed in the following chapter. Mobile, sea-based TMD will enhance the security and safety of friendly nations by providing defense against missile attacks by rogue states. Building on the existing Aegis system, the Navy is vigorously pursuing area and theater missile defense capabilities. The Navy-Marine Corps team continues to be a powerful, visible, and credible instrument for supporting national policies and preventing conflict. Forward-deployed naval forces, expeditionary and adaptive in nature, are the preeminent force for deterrence and conflict prevention, and they are able to bring sustained, decisive force to bear when required.
Naval forces protect our nation's global interests most of which reside within the littorals.
Their on-scene capability, ready to respond immediately to the nation's tasking, makes them compelling in crisis. The ability to fight and win against any adversary is the irreducible core of the U.S. military. Naval forces are an integral part of this joint capability. When deterrence fails, forward-deployed naval forces, working with other U.S. and coalition forces, must blunt an adversary's offensive, prevent him from consolidating its position, and protect friendly forces until additional combat power can arrive in theater. The speed and flexibility of these forward-deployed naval forces provide the National Command Authorities with viable options during the initial stages of a crisis or conflict.