THE United States Navy is the most preeminent naval force in the world. Following Alfred Mahan’s dictum that “a truly powerful nation must have thriving international trade, a merchant fleet to carry these goods and a strong navy to protect its sea lanes,” the US Navy has provided stability, tranquility and maintained the global order since the end of World War II. However, in this age of austerity, the ability of our aging fleet to secure our interests, protect our allies and confront our adversaries is being sorely tested.