Soviet task groups communicated upward to a shore-centered command system that could coordinate several formations and supporting arms. That structure made it easier to integrate submarines and land-based naval aviation at the task-force level, even though deployed ships had less freedom to combine themselves locally. During the Falklands War, Sandy Woodward commanded the carrier battle group, while task-force command remained at Northwood. Submarine coordination consequently passed through that higher level. Different command architectures therefore created different strengths, dependencies, and opportunities for disruption.
Chapter · 1:27:17-1:29:46
Shore control made submarines easier to integrate with Soviet fleets
Soviet reliance on higher command ashore complicated local coordination but provided a common level for combining surface groups, submarines, and land-based naval aviation.