Naval means relating to a nation's navy or to military ships and operations at sea. The United States Naval Academy trains officers for the U.S. Navy, while naval bases serve as home ports for warships and submarines. A naval battle is a fight between opposing fleets of military ships.

Throughout history, naval power has shaped the fate of nations. Ancient Rome controlled the Mediterranean through naval supremacy. Britain's powerful Royal Navy helped it build a global empire. During World War II, massive naval battles in the Pacific Ocean between American and Japanese forces determined who controlled vast stretches of ocean.

Naval warfare is distinct from land warfare because ships operate in a completely different environment. Naval officers must understand navigation, weather patterns, and the unique challenges of combat at sea. Modern navies use aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, and other specialized vessels. A naval officer commands these ships and their crews.

Don't confuse naval with navel, which is your belly button. They sound identical but mean completely different things.