The World Needs a Strong U.S. Navy
In 1892, Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan, a lecturer at the Naval War College, published his influential book, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, revealing the United States’ determination to utilize naval power to establish its position among the world’s superpowers. According to Mahan, the history of sea power was largely “a narrative of contests between nations, of mutual rivalries, of violence frequently culminating in war.” American leaders recognized that the country’s fortune was linked to the sea, and since then, the relationship between American power, industry, and the U.S. Navy has been considered crucial for maintaining national prosperity and preserving its prominent role as a great power.
A century ago, former President Theodore Roosevelt inaugurated an era of U.S. naval power, demonstrating that the U.S. Navy would be a force to be reckoned with in the new 20th century. Since that time, American naval power has been vital to keep the global seas open for commerce and trade, essential for maintaining modern economies worldwide. However, America has recently failed to keep up with the necessary choices to maintain its navy strong, while China’s navy has gained more strength, and now has the largest raw tonnage in the world.
Today, former Navy officer and writer Jerry Hendrix sounds a warning that Americans ought to renew their commitment to be the world’s leading sea power, pointing out that since the Cold War, the nation’s operable shipyards have been reduced from 30 to seven. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday also revealed that the nation no longer has enough operable shipyards. On the other hand, China has invested billions in building its military ships and a massive merchant marine. According to U.S. Naval War College Professor Sam Tangredi, history has proven that “the navy with the most ships wins,” even over more skillful sailors with technologically advanced ships.
Throughout history, the U.S. Navy has played a vital role in maintaining the freedom of the seas for itself and its allies, and it should continue to do so. Otherwise, China will likely dominate the seas for itself and others. Finally, the United States should prioritize rebuilding its navy and strengthening its shipyards to restore its powerful navy.
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Miles Smith IV is an assistant professor of history at Hillsdale College.
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