[ExpatGator]

History has proven that we cannot rely on other nations. I do not rely on my neighbor for my defense.

Why only count nuke subs? Diesel/electric subs sink ships quite easily.
We do not have more than the world combined, except in carriers and large warships. One reason for that is the need for PROJECTION of force. We have to be able to keep sea lanes open for our economy. Small warships, missile boats, subs, etc. are quite good at closing strategic waterways.
You know nothing of the requirements to keep sea lanes open, or the consequences of regional control by bad actors.

[tanknetter]

This.

One of the catalysts for my interest in military history was a 1980s PBS Frontline show (I can hear the eyerolls and ughs on that as I type) called “The Battle for the Norweigan Sea.”

One of the interviewees, I think it was John Lehman actually, said that in order to win we had to keep the sea lanes open, while the Soviets had to keep them closed. And to guess which side had the easier task ...

[DoodleDawg]

You know nothing of the requirements to keep sea lanes open, or the consequences of regional control by bad actors.

So enlighten me. How many more aircraft carriers, how many more cruisers, how many more submarines do we need?