Making the case for more U.S. Navy ships
By Scot McCauley | 4:30 p.m. Aug. 18, 2016
In the current debate about American defense policy, there is one element upon which both protagonists can usually agree if they review past history — that sea power always plays the pivotal role in shaping the outcome of potentially dangerous situations throughout the world. Today, with aggressive actions in the South China Sea, the Baltic and Black Sea areas, this has never been truer.
Surprisingly, the Democrats and Republicans find common ground. From what one reads, both agree that maintaining freedom of the seas preserves American access to vital raw materials abroad and prevents the economic exploitation of allied countries. There is also agreement that the presence of U.S. Navy ships in these volatile areas acts to deter a possible escalating situation. But when pressed to articulate a navy sized to accomplish the task, the common ground becomes murky. The 600 ship navy envisioned by the Reagan administration to fill this mission has now shrunk to 272 — the lowest level in over 100 years. We do not need 600 ships today but we need at least 350 to respond to the continuing requests for a U.S. Naval presence.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/aug/18/utbg-navy-ships-security/
