Is The U.S. Navy Too Small?

IN PHOTO: U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships steam in formation during their military manoeuvre exercise known as Keen Sword 15 in the sea south of Japan, in this November 19, 2014 handout provided by the U.S. Navy. Japan stepped up its role in large-scale war games with the U.S. this week, with one of its admirals commanding air and sea manoeuvres that the U.S. military described as the most complex ever overseen by the Japanese navy. The Keen Sword exercises involving more than 30,000 Japanese troops and 11,000 U.S. personnel come as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks a higher profile for Japan in the security alliance. Picture taken November 19, 2014. Reuters/Stringer

Jim Talent, NRO: Yes, the Navy Really Is Too Small

Recently PolitiFact published a piece criticizing Presidential candidates who — in arguing that the Navy is too small — make historical comparisons to the size of the Navy in the past.

The Washington Post has weighed in from time to time with similar criticisms of similar statements by other candidates. And the issue isn’t going away, because, fortunately, many of the presidential candidates keep raising it.

Fact checkers provide a useful service to the public, and they are right to look below the surface of issues. But in this case they are wrong; the Navy is too small, and historical comparisons are a legitimate way to show it.

WNU Editor: The size of a Navy .... and in this case the U.S. Navy .... depends on what are the long term goals for the U.S., and what are the missions that the U.S. wants to find itself in. If the U.S. wants to be a global power with multiple alliances backed with a significant blue navy fleet presence .... the current U.S. Navy composition is not going to cut it. If the U.S. wants to be a regional player with a presence in only a few regions around the world .... 200 ships should be more than enough. Either way .... this is a debate that the U.S. should have .... unfortunately .... it is not happening.