US Carrier Strike and the Mediterranean, 1970-89 - Lessons in Littoral Crisis Response for the United Kingdom's Joint Expeditionary Force

摘要

The thesis identifies lessons from US littoral crisis response in the Mediterranean by analyzing three case studies in carrier strike employment (Jordan (1970), Lebanon (1983) and Libya (1981-89)) and placing these within a broader discussion on the employment and effectiveness of precision strike. It introduces the concept of 'carrier strike diplomacy'. Britain's own interests in the Mediterranean and the security implications of the Arab Spring and spread of instability to the Maghreb and Sahel are also explored. The argument presented is that strategic political direction is required to underwrite choices open in three areas; forward presence and apportionment, embarked critical mass and precision strike acquisition.