Quote at start of "Red Storm Rising?"?

Question

The quote is in regards to an ancient war. What is the quote, and who said it?

Answer 1

The only quote at the beginning of "Red Storm Rising" is by Edward L. Beach from "Keepers of the Sea."

"From time immemorial, the purpose of a navy has been to influence, and sometimes decide, issues on land. ... The sea has supplied mobility, capability, and support through Western history, and those failing in the sea-power test-notably Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler-also failed the longevity one."

Ed Beach was a retired WWII submariner, skipper of the nuclear sub USS Triton, and the author of several books, including "Run Silent, Run Deep" and "Dust on the Sea."

The above quote was taken from the only book of his that I have not read. The other two are in my library, as is "Red Storm Rising." The quote does not refer to any particular war, but strategy, especially grand strategy. Napoleon and Hitler could not cross 23 miles of English Channel.

Regards,

Dan