Final answer:
The Navy supports over-the-shore operations through strategic tactics like mine laying, the convoy system, and island hopping, providing logistics, combat support, and securing sea lanes for allied forces. Technologies like sonar used by Navy ships were pivotal for the detection and destruction of enemy submarines. Establishing naval bases for refueling, repairs, and preparing for ground invasions further accentuates the Navy's role in sustaining military efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Navy plays a critical role in supporting over-the-shore operations by acting as a key logistics and combat support element for ground forces. During times of conflict, such as World War I, the Navy was instrumental in laying mines to neutralize threats like the German U-boats, effectively securing sea lanes for safe passage. In the Pacific during World War II, the strategy of "island hopping" was significantly supported by the Navy and marines, who helped to capture strategic islands which were then used to stage further operations and move closer to Japan.
Additionally, the convoy system, with heavy Navy involvement, was a vital tactic used to protect merchant vessels from enemy submarines, particularly during both World Wars. The innovative use of technologies such as sonar further enhanced the effectiveness of Navy ships in detecting and combating submarine threats. The rapid production and assembly of supply and attack vessels, exemplified by the construction of Liberty Ships, further underscored the Navy's capacity to support large-scale operations.
The importance of establishing bases for refueling and repairs, as emphasized by historical figures like Alfred Thayer Mahan, highlights the essential nature of the Navy in sustaining long-range operations and exerting sea power. The role of the US Navy in regaining control of the Philippines and establishing supply bases during World War II illustrates the multifaceted approach of the Navy in supporting over-the-shore operations and the broader war effort.