Status assets, war fighters, and presence vessels

The proposed fleet model separates status assets, war fighters, and economical presence vessels. Aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered surface ships, and very large surface combatants can attract attention simply by entering an ocean. Amphibious ships often receive less public attention than carriers, although both can exert force at a distance through the troops or aircraft they carry. The discussion makes a case for treating them as comparable status assets while preserving their different military capabilities. Modern frigates offer recognizable combat power, but their cost makes them an expensive choice for every routine visit. Patrol vessels can perform counter-narcotics and counter-piracy work with fewer combat systems, while a freedom-of-navigation operation may require a stronger combatant.