As a former Navy enlisted and officer I read with interest James Holmes's internet article of December 21,2024 which provides potential input to the meeting of the National Commission On The Future Of The Navy.

He said "ground-based air and missile forces working in concert with numerous, light, short-range naval forces can make things exceedingly tough on hostile fleets prowling offshore." 

Holmes is primarily referring to hostile forces of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. To combat any opposing forces, he believes we should outfit smaller combat ships with anti-ship cruise missiles and the HELIOS laser firing system; expand our submarine fleet, including constructing less expensive diesel submarines; build and deploy a large number of small surface craft similar in size to U.S. Coast cutters. We need to restore our logistical system, including increasing our ship building industry and our military supply chains. Additionally, we should consider the viability of building ships in foreign countries like Japan and South Korea.

The Department Of The Navy has to formulate and expand plans to address drone warfare, including modifying existing aircraft carriers for offensive and defensive drone warfare operations.

Since Russia has been somewhat weakened with its war in Ukraine, we should be most concerned with the buildup of China's military. China now has 400 ICBMs capable of striking the U.S.; 600 nuclear warheads increasing to 1000 by 2030; and 370 naval vessels increasing to 435 by 2030. China's Navy is now larger than the U.S. Navy. Note: Approximately 90% of world trade is transported over the seas. President Trump plans to rebuild our Navy.

In order to increase the effectiveness of our military, including the Navy, we have to increase our defense spending from 3% to 6% of GDP.