The U.S. Navy Has an Image Problem
A sailor secures the welcome lei on the bow of the littoral combat ship USS Independence. Flickr/U.S. Navy
"Constant bad news could prompt key audiences to deprecate littoral combat ships, Ford-class flattops, or Zumwalt-class destroyers."
James Holmes
October 12, 2016
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Battle is the arbiter of tactical and operational acumen. By definition, though, armed forces don’t duel one another in peacetime. So how does one force prevail over another in peacetime strategic competition?
This represents a question of utmost moment for the U.S. Navy, which is clinging to its maritime supremacy in the face of challengers on the make.
The victor in strategic competition triumphs by impressing important audiences—by making them believers in its combat prowess relative to its rivals. Prospective foes blanch from a trial of arms against a palpably stronger force. Allies and friends take heart when backed by such a force. Third parties flock to likely winners and shun likely losers in times of trouble. Constituents back home accept risk when their armed forces are the odds-on favorite in martial enterprises.
http://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-us-navy-has-image-problem-18027
