The argument distinguishes wartime striking power from the visible presence used to deter conflict and influence events at sea. Surface ships can make a public statement in ways that submerged submarines cannot. The proposed balance includes numerous lower-cost hulls and larger ships able to protect themselves, alongside submarine forces. This mix is presented as a way to sustain presence while retaining options for more demanding conflict.
Notable Point · 17:31-19:21
Visible presence and the argument for a balanced fleet
A discussion of winning the peace explains why visible surface ships and a balanced mix of large, small, surface, and subsurface assets matter for deterrence.