The continued need for accurate positioning in naval topics

Abstract

Modern naval warfare has, over the years, resulted in the relegation of accurate positioning and navigation to a second class role. The modern naval officer worries about positioning usually only when concerned with navigation. During the battle he most often conducts his operations in a relative motion sense using relative ranges and bearings. The once widelyrespected title of navigator has been replaced by that of the Tactical Action Officer. Despite these lamentable trends, accurate positioning remains as important today as it ever was. The trends toward over-the-horizon targetingfbattles and strict Emission Controls (EMCON), coupled with the more traditional tactics in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mine Warfare, continue to require good geographic positioning as a matter of paramount importance.