I’m no military expert, but I do know the world is a dangerous place and in ways more so than in previous decades. The sad truth is that deterrents to aggression are necessary, military power is necessary to avoid using it. Crazy, but true.
That’s why I was shocked to read the following, 290 ships❓That’s it❓Somebody in authority thinks that is enough. Let’s hope they are right. With a President who likes to talk a lot and tell the world well in advance what he will and will not do, who knows? I wonder how Obama is at playing poker?
Should a similar crisis arise today, it’s not obvious that the U.S. could pull off a successful blockade. Projecting power, even in one’s own backyard, is no small thing. The blockade that was crucial to resolving the Cuban missile crisis required more than 150 U.S. Navy battle force ships, out of the 900 afloat in 1962. As of this writing, the Navy’s entire roster of battle force ships stands at 290.
Actually, the number is smaller than that. The tally of 290 includes hospital ships and small patrol boats — not counted until this year. In addition, it counts 11 Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers that it is keeping “in a reduced operating status.” Excerpt: Obama isn’t ready for another Cold War. Stephen Carter, Bloomberg.com
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