Administration’s New Strategy Points to Larger, More Capable Naval Force
Defense Opinion
Friday, December 12th, 2025
Administration’s New Strategy Points to Larger, More Capable Naval Force
The world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) steam the Adriatic Sea, June 23, 2023. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)
By Steven Wills, Ph.D., Defense Opinion Writer.
While not specifically saying so, President Trump’s new National Security Strategy (NSS) released on Dec.4 is in fact a clarion call for a larger and more capable Navy.
The document’s focus on protection of sea lines of communication, key choke points and an overall more robust U.S. presence in the Western Hemisphere together point to the need for increasing the size and capability of the Navy.
The Navy currently is composed of approximately 290 ships centered around 11 nuclear aircraft carriers. The responsibilities outlined in the NSS suggest a larger Navy of approximately 350 manned ships and 12 flattops.
https://www.defensedaily.com/commentary/administrations-new-strategy-points-to-larger-more-capable-naval-force/