The loss of the two and only American vessels on the lake gave undisputed control of this strategic waterway to the British.

The Bosporus, 17 miles long and just 700 yards wide at its narrowest point, has for millenniums been one of the world's most strategic waterways.

Although this did not grant outright control of the strategic waterway, it did give Britain leverage.

It is considered a strategic waterway in London, forming part of the Blue Ribbon Network.

Its intended wartime role was to man observation points overlooking ports and strategic waterways, in order to report mines dropped by aircraft.

Some Americans were also wary of placing this strategic waterway under the protection of the Panamanian security force.

They tended to be established by strategic waterways or major port cities for defensive purposes.

According to American military sources, the Iranian attack ran up against strong Iraqi defenses along the strategic waterway.

McMurdo Sound's role as a strategic waterway dates back to early 20th century Antarctic exploration.

The carriers play a central role as platforms for the aerial operations, and their absence from the strategic waterway tends to leave American military officials nervous.