Naval History and Heritage Command

21^st Chief of Naval Operations: 1 July 1978-30 June 1982

Admiral Hayward developed the “Sea Strike Strategy” which became part of what is now known as “The Maritime Strategy.”  Recognizing that a NATO-Warsaw Pact conflict would be a global war, the Navy would need to act early against an enemy navy to destroy its offensive capabilities.  As Admiral Holloway had posited, carrier groups offered the best means to implement this strategy.  As part of the resulting revitalization of the Navy, production of Nimitz Class super carriers was accelerated.