Forward presence as accumulated local knowledge

Is local knowledge lacking in modern Western navies?

It can be, because short visits cannot replace the relationships and regional understanding built by continuous forward presence.

Local knowledge is a capability created by sustained presence rather than occasional senior visits. Ships and personnel need time in a region to build trusted working relationships and understand the environment in which they may later operate. The force must also arrive in a vessel credible enough to matter locally, because presence is not produced by a flag alone. A maintainable class available in useful numbers can therefore generate more continuous influence than one impressive ship that is rarely present.