The Department s forward-deployed naval forces remain the most viable means for the nation to respond rapidly to contingencies around the world. On any given day, one-third of our ships, submarines, squadrons, and Marine units are deployed overseas. Never has the Department asked more of its people and equipment during peacetime than today. Yet, the Navy and Marine Corps team remains ready, in all respects, to execute fully its many mission areas. A visible, credible force possessing deep strike, amphibious, command and control, peacekeeping, and even environmental compliance enforcement capabilities is core to this nation s standing as the preeminent superpower.
Presence is the key and naval forces provide it every day in every corner of the world.
Through their continued forward presence, naval forces help maintain global stability. Even though the fleet and the number of Sailors and Marines in uniform have been reduced, we remain ready to protect America s interest both at home and abroad. However, with a smaller force available to maintain the same level of commitment, it becomes increasingly important that non-deployed forces complete required repairs and training as scheduled. Although the incremental costs for contingency operations are relatively small due to our forward presence, we must still divert programmed operations, maintenance, and training funds away from non-deployed forces to support such requirements. In the past, these actions were nearly transparent due to the size of the fleet.