Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:52:01-1:53:38

The US Navy's missing steps in presence and escalation

Reliance on Arleigh Burke destroyers leaves too little distinction between routine presence, a warning, and carrier-group escalation.

Force StructureFrigatesNaval PresenceUS Navy
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Question

How would additional cruiser or destroyer programs help the modern US Navy?

Short answer

They would restore graduated presence options so the Navy does not use an Arleigh Burke for nearly every mission below a carrier group.

Notes

The Arleigh Burke has become both the routine presence ship and the higher-level warning ship because the US Navy lacks enough frigates below it and a distinct major surface combatant above it. Constellation-class frigates may restore the lower rung, but only gradually. The problem is diplomatic as well as tactical because deterrence needs visible, graduated steps before a carrier strike group arrives.