"Before World War II, the importance and affect of amphibious operations on the security of the nation was not yet realized. However, the power and flexibility of the amphibious operations in World War II demonstrated dramatically the potential, both politically and militarily, of amphibious warfare. Today, more than ever, the amphibious operation offers decision makers an even greater range of options coupled with the exact degree of power necessary to achieve the desired solution." -- Foreword, page ii.