While focused on the rise (and fall) of the Royal Navy there is a lesson in there for the US of A.
If you are, as we have become, a maritime nation then the neglect of your Navy spells ultimate disaster and decline.
I was there for the 600 ship Navy and America truly ruled the waves. Today, I fear for this instuition that molded my life and meant so much to me. Sad.
Cruisers are and have been the lynchpin of the Navy. Long range, operating singly or in a fleet keeping sea lanes open.