What does BB mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Battleship Bombardment is a naval combat tactic used during WWII whereby battleships use their powerful guns to attack shore targets, such as enemy fortifications, infrastructure, or military bases.

BB differs from NGFS in terms of the scale and intensity of the attack. BB involves a concentrated bombardment by multiple battleships, unleashing a barrage of heavy shells over a sustained period. NGFS, on the other hand, typically involves sporadic fire from individual ships to support ground troops or neutralize specific targets.

BB offers several advantages, including:

• Long-range: Battleships can launch shells at targets located hundreds of kilometers away, providing a standoff capability for attacking enemy positions from a safe distance.
• Heavy firepower: The large-caliber guns of battleships deliver devastating impacts, capable of destroying bunkers, fortifications, and infrastructure.
• **Precision: Modern battleships are equipped with advanced fire control systems, allowing for precise targeting and increased accuracy.

BB has certain limitations, such as:

• Cost and resources: Deploying battleships for bombardment requires significant financial resources and logistical support.
• Vulnerability to air attacks: Battleships can be vulnerable to aerial attacks, particularly dive bombers and torpedo aircraft.
• **Limited mobility: Battleships have limited maneuverability and speed, making them slow to respond to changing situations.

BB was extensively employed during WWII, particularly in the Pacific Theater. Notable examples include the naval bombardment of Iwo Jima and Okinawa by the US Navy.

While BB was a significant tactic in WWII, it is less prevalent in modern warfare due to advances in air power, missiles, and other precision-guided munitions. However, battleships continue to play a role in providing limited shore bombardment capabilities, particularly in support of amphibious operations.