What are "green water" operations?

"Green water" operations refer specifically to naval operations that occur in coastal areas. This designation is used to differentiate between various operational environments in naval strategy. The term "green water" connects to the region where inland waterways, such as bays and river estuaries, meet the open ocean.

These operations are significant because coastal areas are often where a great deal of naval activity occurs, including maritime security, amphibious operations, and engagement in operations supporting local navies or other forces. Navigating and conducting operations in these environments often require different tactical considerations compared to operations in open ocean (or "blue water") environments, where vessels operate farther away from land and may face different logistics and operational challenges.

Therefore, understanding these distinctions is essential for a comprehensive grasp of naval operational planning and the tactical implications associated with conducting military operations in varying maritime environments.