What did the U.S. Navy seek to eliminate through the actions during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The U.S. Navy's primary objective during the Cuban Missile Crisis was to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons being stationed in Cuba and the potential for such weapons to reach the U.S. mainland. The discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba prompted immediate U.S. national security concerns, as these missiles could strike major American cities with little warning. The naval blockade, also referred to as a "quarantine," was implemented to prevent further shipments of military equipment to Cuba and to assert U.S. resolve in the face of this direct threat. This strategic action was critical in ensuring the safety of Americans and maintaining the U.S. stance against the spread of Soviet influence in the Western Hemisphere.

The other options do not accurately reflect the strategic priorities of the U.S. during the crisis. The focus was firmly on countering nuclear capabilities rather than addressing the presence of allies, Cuban independence, or European influence in the region.