The United States Navy faces its first significant post-WWII threat to naval superiority from China, which aims to project global naval power beyond the South China Sea. China's rapid shipbuilding outpaces the U.S., while the U.S. fleet is spread thin and decommissioning Ticonderoga-class destroyers without replacement. Despite these challenges, the U.S.
Navy, particularly the Pacific fleet, demonstrates exemplary integration of sea control with joint operations, capable of firing long-range hypersonic anti-ship missiles within the First Island Chain, as showcased in Exercise Balikatan 2026. However, fundamental changes are needed in shipbuilding, maintenance, and personnel. The Ships ACT aims to rebuild industrial capacity, but "America First" policies hinder leveraging allies. The Navy must extend ship service lives, implement modular upgrades, and consider autonomous technologies to counter Chinese advancements. Personnel expansion requires enhanced ROTC and Marine Corps-style Platoon Leader Class programs, alongside training in basic seamanship, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems. Eliminating Marine Corps Force Design, which limits modernization and acquisition of long-range hypersonic anti-ship missiles, is crucial for the Navy-Marine Corps team to meet global threats.
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