During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, what was the U.S. Navy's primary operational strategy?

The U.S. Navy's primary operational strategy during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was to establish a naval blockade. This approach was a response to the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba and was intended to prevent further Soviet shipments of military equipment to the island. The blockade, termed a "quarantine" to distinguish it from a naval blockade that could be seen as an act of war, aimed to exert pressure on the Soviet Union while avoiding direct military confrontation.

By implementing this quarantine, the United States sought to limit the Soviet ability to reinforce their military presence in Cuba, thereby reducing the immediate threat posed by the missiles. The strategy allowed for a demonstration of U.S. resolve without escalating into overt military action, aligning with President Kennedy's preference for a measured response. This careful approach aimed to balance the need for national security with the desire to avoid triggering a wider conflict.

Other options, while they might seem plausible, were not part of the primary strategy during the crisis. Air superiority over Cuba would be important in a potential military operation, but it was not the primary focus during the immediate tensions of the missile crisis. Conducting aerial bombings would escalate the situation significantly and was not executed during the crisis. Similarly, deploying troops to the Cuban shore