the navy ain't what it used to be; 

 

A powerful naval force is now concentrated from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean in support of continuing operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran — including two aircraft carriers, six amphibious assault ships, and 19 cruisers and destroyers. Just this week, President Donald Trump declared he would re-impose a blockade on Iranian ports, while U.S. attacks against coastal and island targets continued unabated.

How long can the U.S. Navy keep this armada forward deployed?

That we even ask this question highlights the visible decline of American Seapower. In 1945, with over 6,000 ships, the United States Navy was a truly global seapower. Today, some 80 years later, the fleet is so diminished that Americans quietly doubt if it can sustain operations against Iran — which have once again been renewed.

A renewed naval blockade — even a distant barrier in the Arabian Sea — means prolonged operating tempo for ships and personnel. Ships that have been in-theater since February that have been deployed for a total 10 months and more, must be rotated out and replaced.

Keeping so many ships in the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility means a Navy that can only focus on one region, effectively abandoning its global reach.

What happened? Three things...........more............