[LoBlo]

For example. The USN activity in Iraq (in the Persian Gulf) can be considered a shallow water op. Relatively close in a shallow body of water. Consequently, the old USSR vs USA scenarios, for example battles in the GUIK gap, can be considered deep water ops in relatively open ocean.

So the question is whether or not all future battles will be "Persian gulf style", that is, in shallow waters near coastlines, or whether or not a deep water conflict is still conceivable. Both will involve the Navy equally.