Naval oceanography contributions to underwater acoustics—The Cold War era Free

Underwater acoustics is an integral part of the Navy and is the major enabler for its capabilities in anti-submarine warfare. The importance of oceanography to naval warfare in general and anti-submarine warfare in particular was clearly demonstrated during World War II. Anti-submarine warfare became high technology in the post World War II era, especially during the Cold War. The period from 1960 to the mid 1980s was an important time in the history and evolution of underwater acoustics, building on the experience and important discoveries and research made shortly before, during and immediately after World War II. Naval oceanography programs, large-scale measurement programs and Navy support for research and development were key elements in the rapid expansion of knowledge in the full spectrum of underwater acoustics and understanding the effect of the ocean environment on the development and operation of anti-submarine warfare systems. This paper will provide an overview of the relationship of Naval oceanography to the rapid expansion of knowledge of underwater acoustics during an important period of the Cold War era.