One thing I found particularly interesting is that the Navy has shrunk over 25% since 1996. Per the article, there were 375 ships in 1996, and now there are 275.
US Naval ships frequently visit the Canadian naval base in Halifax, Nova Scotia. When they are on shore the amount of fraternization between sailors is extensive. This has to have some negative impact on the operational effectiveness.
I heard some wonk on John Batchelor’s radio show use the number 270 earlier this year.
He also noted you can keep all 270 at sea and in service at the same time.
I remember when a lot of FReepers were condemning Commanders for say that they needed more training funds if they wanted to stay in fighting trim....thought it was a waste of their money to do all that expensive training....Obama screwed us in so many ways it’s insane and a lot of narrow-issue (personal pocketbook in all things) idiots helped..