It just might be that the Navy is coming to the realization that the era of surface combatants is coming to an end. Given modern technology that features but is not limited to pilotless stealthy drones, very stealthy hyersonic ballistic missiles, pinpoint satellite tracking of such ships and other high tech weapons, those surface ships and most importantly their brave young crews would not survive long in a war against a technologically sophisticated opponent.
It could also be possible that our civilian and military elites/leadership has been convinced to surrender...from what I am seeing...all the idiotic decisions that make no sense what so ever...I am beginning to believe that the highest level of the military have surrendered to the CCP without a fight. If you look at the idiocy that Jim Mattis is spewing it is hard to see it any other way... The CIA based on their Critical Theory Recruiting video obviously has... the FBI could turn the election over tomorrow but they sadly have been politicized as well. Every institution in the US seems to be committed to its destruction. The CCP and Russia are laughing at us every day. This will not end well.
Targeting isn’t as easy as you believe it is. A ‘hypersonic ballistic missile’ can’t differentiate between a Cruiser and a Japanese car carrier half a NM away.