Mercogliano questions the assumption that every naval platform must be equipped for the most demanding battle. Erie-class gunboats and River-class offshore patrol vessels illustrate the separate role of providing a presence. Clarke adds that a force composed only of primary-theatre assets will still have to divert ships when trouble arises elsewhere. Their argument for simpler vessels rests on covering those secondary duties while retaining the main combat force where it is needed.
Notable Point · 1:10:58-1:12:02
Secondary theatres do not always need first-rank warships
Erie-class gunboats and River-class patrol vessels illustrate how presence missions can be covered without diverting high-end combatants.