Carney, Robert B.: Principles of Seapower, 1955 Jun 7

This address was delivered at the Naval War College on June 7, 1955, by Admiral Robert Carney, then Chief of Naval Operations. It was reproduced for participants in the Seventh Annual Global Strategy Discussions at the Naval War College. Vice Admiral L. D. McCormick, President of the Naval War College, provides a foreword.

The address covers a broad range of topics concerning the significance, development, and strategic implications of sea power in the context of national strategy and global security dynamics. Carney discusses the need for a continuous "new look" in the realm of national strategy due to the fast-paced changes in the world, particularly emphasizing the critical role of the sea and sea power across different eras, especially in the atomic age.

Carney outlines the historical evolution of sea power and its principles, referencing influential figures such as Themistocles, Sir Walter Raleigh, President Washington, and Theodore Roosevelt. It also discusses Alfred Thayer Mahan's contributions to understanding sea power's influence on history and geopolitics.Carney reflects on the implications of technological advancements, including atomic power and guided missiles, on the strategies related to sea power. He stresses the importance of adapting to these changes while maintaining an understanding of the enduring principles of sea power.

The lecture emphasizes the interconnection between sea power and global strategy, noting the impact of sea control on national security, economic prosperity, and international relations. It discusses the strategic considerations necessary to maintain superiority on the seas in the face of potential adversaries, particularly the Soviet Union at the time.

Finally, Carney distills the principles of sea power, emphasizing the necessity for nations reliant on the sea for their economy and security to ensure an adequate measure of sea control. He concludes with reflections on the future of sea power, considering the ongoing technological and strategic developments.

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