B-52 Maritime Operations: The Anti-Surface Warfare Mission (ASUW).

For the past 20 years, significant growth in Soviet naval force structure has occurred. Without question, this build up has allowed Soviet presence and influence to spread on a global scale. Our efforts to encounter this threat is of major concern. As a partner with the Navy, the Air Force can provide valuable assistance in successfully defending the Sea Lines of Communications. The B-52 represents a credible, long range weapon system capable of conducting the anti-surface warfare ASUW mission. This paper discusses the Soviet surface threat, how the navy presently counters the threat, and how the B-52 can be integrated into navel fleet operations.