Mission: To maintain, train, and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas.
Organization: The Navy is organized into three major components: the Navy Operating Forces, the Navy Shore Establishments, and the Navy Reserve.
- The Navy Operating Forces is the combat arm of the Navy and consists of the following fleets:
- _U.S. Fleet Forces Command_
- _U.S. Pacific Fleet_
- _U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa_
- _U.S. Naval Forces Central Command_
- _U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command_
- The Navy Shore Establishments provide support to the Operating Forces and include the following:
- Shipyards
- Naval air stations
- Training facilities
- Medical centers
- Supply depots
- The Navy Reserve is the part-time component of the Navy and consists of two categories: the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve.
_The Navy Operating Forces_
The Navy Operating Forces are organized into task forces, each of which is tailored to a specific mission. Task forces typically include a mix of surface ships, submarines, aircraft carriers, and support vessels.
- Surface ships include destroyers, cruisers, frigates, and littoral combat ships. They are used for a variety of missions, including anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare.
- Submarines are used for a variety of missions, including anti-ship warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations.
- Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of the Navy's carrier battle groups. They carry a variety of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and helicopters, which can be used for a variety of missions, including air superiority, strike warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.
- Support vessels include oilers, ammunition ships, and repair ships. They provide essential support to the combatant ships in a task force.
_The Navy Shore Establishments_
The Navy Shore Establishments provide a wide range of support to the Operating Forces, including:
- Shipyard: Where ships are built and repaired.
- Naval air stations: Where aircraft are based and maintained.
- Training facilities: Where sailors are trained in a variety of skills.
- Medical centers: Where sailors receive medical care.
- Supply depots: Where supplies are stored and distributed.
_The Navy Reserve_
The Navy Reserve is the part-time component of the Navy and consists of two categories: the Selected Reserve and the Individual Ready Reserve.
- The Selected Reserve consists of sailors who are required to serve on active duty for a period of time each year. They are typically assigned to units that are ready to deploy on short notice.
- The Individual Ready Reserve consists of sailors who are not required to serve on active duty unless they are mobilized. They are typically assigned to units that are not ready to deploy on short notice.
_The Navy and the Future_
The Navy is facing a number of challenges in the future, including:
- The rising cost of shipbuilding and maintenance
- The increasing complexity of naval warfare
- The threat of cyberattacks
- The need to maintain a global presence
The Navy is working to address these challenges by investing in new technologies, training its sailors, and strengthening its alliances with other countries.
