During the Cold War, naval operations were crucial for both the United States and the Soviet Union as they sought to project power and influence across the world's oceans. These operations included the deployment of aircraft carriers, submarines, and surface ships, which were used for surveillance, deterrence, and combat readiness. Naval forces engaged in various activities, such as blockades, naval exercises, and intelligence gathering. The presence of nuclear submarines, like the USS Nautilus and the Soviet Typhoon-class, played a significant role in maintaining a strategic balance, as both superpowers aimed to deter each other from escalating conflicts.