Keoni Buenavista
Date: 05/10/2022
Prompt: Why is the Navy one of the most important branches of the military in the United States and other countries? What are its purpose and functions? Who has the most powerful navy in the world and how?
To protect a nation with a military presence, a Navy is necessary as it provides support to nations generally in the water (ocean, seas, lakes, etc.) to shield against naval and amphibious foreign attacks and make attacks. Over the years, with the advancement in technology, navy forces in most countries have been able to better protect their waters/territory, and have more power overall. Before technological advancements in weaponry and transportation, a navy was the most important factor that defined a world power.
Historically speaking, England in the mid-17th century became a major world power, mainly because of its navy. The reason why a navy is so important regarding military power at the time was that water was the fastest form of travel (by ship). Today, travel by water is still important in terms of transportation and defending a nation regarding a navy. Before the introduction of the cannon and ships with the capability to carry them, navy warfare mainly involved ramming and boarding actions to win battles.
With the most powerful navy in the world, it is currently the United States Navy. The US Navy has been able to do this by further developing its technologies, expanding its bases, and investing in its sailors who serve aboard its ships. Being able to train a large number of people and provide them with the necessary tools needed for carrying out naval duties has allowed the US navy to rank the highest among other nations. During and following World War II, the United States also demonstrated significant Naval power. In 1943, the US navy’s size was larger than the fleets of all the other fighting nations in World War II combined. By the end of WW II in 1945, the U.S. Navy added multiple new ships, including 18 aircraft carriers and 8 battleships, and had over 70 percent of the world’s total numbers and total tonnage (weight) of naval vessels of 1,000 tons or more.
Similar to what many nations have with the function of their naval fleets, the United States Navy’s mission statement says, “To recruit, train, equip, and organize to deliver combat-ready Naval forces to win conflicts and wars while maintaining security and deterrence through sustained forward presence.” Along with the interpretation of the U.S. navy mission statement, the navy essentially has 3 responsibilities. The first responsibility is preparing naval forces that are needed to engage in war. The second responsibility is to maintain naval property that is aviation-based, land-based aviation, and air transport. The third responsibility of the Navy is to develop naval military tactics, equipment, weapons, techniques, and service elements. All of these responsibilities help to ensure that this branch of the military is prepared even for the worst of disasters or wars.