The Mississippi example makes strategic mobility operationally concrete. After passing through Suez, Theodore Roosevelt broke from her conventionally powered group and moved at flank speed through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb because Yemen's intentions were uncertain. Mississippi alone could keep pace, preserving an escort against shore batteries, patrol boats, and the dangers of narrow waters. In this interpretation, even one escort provided deterrence by raising the cost of an attack without applying so much force that the potential opponent felt cornered.
Notable Point · 53:02-55:54
Mississippi kept pace with Theodore Roosevelt at flank speed
Mississippi was the only escort able to accompany Theodore Roosevelt at flank speed through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb during Desert Shield.