Their full combat capability, inherent mobility, and capacity for self-sustained operations make them an expeditionary force without peer. A balanced, forward-deployed naval force serves multiple purposes. Simultaneously, it can reassure friends and allies, build and enhance coalition interoperability, deter potential aggressors, and respond effectively to crisis or war. Finally, the Navy's Western Hemisphere Group specifically is focused on supporting our nation's counterdrug efforts as well as strengthening and improving our ties to Caribbean and South American friends and allies. From these strategically placed forward locations, naval forces can quickly deploy to crisis areas outside these regions.
Naval forces participate in the full range of peacetime-engagement activities.
This year alone, Navy ships made 1,629 port visits to 99 nations, including such frequently visited ports as Freemantle, Australia, and Naples, Italy, and ports where U.S. forces are seldom seen such as Shanghai, China, and St. Petersburg, Russia. These ships hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors onboard. In return, more than 20,000 Sailors and Marines went into nearby communities to participate in numerous public-service projects, such as refurbishing schools and orphanages and providing basic medical care. Navy and Marine Corps cooperative efforts with the sea, land, and air forces of friends and allies are essential to successful coalition building. The enhanced relationships and interoperability gained through 160 major multi-national and bilateral exercises with 64 different countries increase U.S. capability and credibility in forming and maintaining coalition partnerships to deter aggression and control crises.