A navy, naval force, or maritime force is the branch of a nations armed forces principally designated for naval and amphibious warfare, including lake-borne, riverine, littoral, or ocean-borne combat operations and related functions. Navies typically operate from one or more naval bases, which are specialized in naval operations and include housing, munitions depots, docks for vessels, and repair facilities. In modern times, navy ships have become more specialized and include supply ships, troop transports, repair ships, oil tankers, and other logistics support ships, as well as combat ships. Modern navy combat ships are generally divided into seven main categories: aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, corvettes, submarines, and amphibious assault ships.
The United States Navy, for example, is part of the Department of the Navy, alongside the United States Marine Corps, and is the seaborne branch of the military of the United States. Its mission is to recruit, train, equip, and organize to deliver combat-ready naval forces to win conflicts and wars while maintaining security and deterrence through sustained forward presence. The U.S. Navys primary areas of responsibility include the preparation of naval forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war, safeguarding global trade, and protecting allied nations. It is also the principal means through which the U.S. maintains international global order.
In summary, a navy is a crucial component of a nations armed forces, responsible for protecting the nation at sea and conducting naval and amphibious warfare operations. The United States Navy, as an example, plays a significant role in safeguarding global trade, protecting allied nations, and maintaining international global order.
