During which conflict did many of the tactics of NSW first gain prominence?

The tactics of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) first gained significant prominence during World War II. This conflict saw the formation and utilization of specialized units such as Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) and Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs), which were essential for preparing landing sites for amphibious assaults. These teams were pivotal during major campaigns like the invasion of Normandy and the Pacific island-hopping strategy, where they conducted reconnaissance missions, demolition of obstacles, and underwater efforts to ensure successful operations.

The evolution of tactics in World War II laid the foundation for modern special operations, influencing the development of the Navy SEAL teams in later conflicts. While other conflicts mentioned, such as the Cold War and the Gulf War, incorporated NSW tactics, it was during World War II that they were first established and effectively applied in combat situations, marking a turning point in naval operations and special warfare techniques.