Forward presence needs more than destroyers

Is forward presence breaking the U.S. Navy?

Forward presence is necessary; the real strain is relying on high-end destroyers because there are too few capable frigates for routine missions.

Forward-deployed ships matter because naval forces cannot arrive at jet speed and shore basing may be politically uncertain in a crisis. The problem is using expensive Arleigh Burke destroyers for every task after smaller-ship programmes failed to provide credible alternatives. A layered force would use major combatants for visible deterrence while frigates performed more of the routine work. The Royal Navy's China Station offers a comparison, with a few status cruisers above numerous sloops, gunboats, and destroyers doing daily work.