Includes bibliographical references (pages 280-290) and index.

"This work explains and critically examines the main theoretical aspects of operational warfare at sea. It utilises diverse sources and examples from naval history, ranging from the ancient era to the present day, to present a comprehensive description and analysis of the key components of operational warfare at sea today. Importantly, and in contrast to many works, this book not only focuses on naval technology but also the human factor. It explains the specifics of operational functions in a maritime theatre, discusses the personality traits and professional education required for successful naval operational commanders, and explores naval operational command and control in both peacetime and war, closing with predictions for the future of operational warfare at sea. This new edition has been completely revised and updated, with four new chapters, and analyses in even more detail the planning and execution of diverse types of major naval/joint operations. This book serves as a primer of how to plan, prepare and execute major naval operations and campaigns for naval commanders and their staffs, but will also be of interest to advanced students of naval history, strategic studies and military history in general."--Provided by publisher.