The conclusion returns to presence as the organising idea of the voyage. Roosevelt wanted the United States to be encountered abroad as an active naval power, and that required reach as well as ships on paper. Sending the fleet around the world supplied visible proof that American sea power could travel to distant regions. The voyage connected deployment, reach, and political presence in a form that foreign and domestic audiences could see.
Notable Point · 39:24-39:46
Presence requires demonstrated global reach
Roosevelt's core objective was presence, which required a demonstrated ability to carry the battle fleet around the world.