Introduction
There’s been a lively discussion on X.com between Larry Summers and David Sacks about trade policy and who’s to blame for hollowing out American industry. While they spar over who shipped jobs to China and why the middle class is struggling, I want to add a different perspective—one that doesn’t usually get a seat at the table.
I served in the U.S. Navy in the 1970s. I’m not active duty now, but I founded Americans for a Stronger Navy because I couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore. I’ve watched for years as the Navy quietly absorbs the consequences of decisions made far from the sea—from boardrooms, think tanks, and bureaucratic desks.
Let’s be clear: when our economy gets off balance, when supply chains falter, when instability spreads—the Navy is the one that responds. We patrol the sea lanes, protect commerce, deter adversaries, and—when needed—pick up the pieces. That’s what the Navy does. And we don’t complain.
But here’s my complaint: give the Navy the tools.
While politicians, economists, and CEOs debate what went wrong, our ships get older, our shipyards shrink, and our adversaries grow bolder. And still, the Navy stays out of the politics. Because that’s what the Navy does.
But it’s time Americans saw the full picture: economic policy and national security are not separate issues. When we gutted American manufacturing, when we offshored our critical infrastructure, we made ourselves vulnerable. And now, the Navy is expected to hold the line—with fewer resources, aging platforms, and a shrinking industrial base to back us up.
Our adversaries—especially China—aren’t waiting. They’re building fleets, securing resources, and testing the limits. Meanwhile, we debate spreadsheets.
I’m proud of the Navy. I’m proud of our sailors. But I’m not proud of how we’ve allowed this burden to fall on their shoulders alone.
This is not about blaming one administration or defending another. It’s about getting serious about what kind of country we want to be. Do we want to be dependent on adversaries? Or do we want to be strong, secure, and able to defend what matters?
If we want peace, we need strength. If we want strength, we need ships, shipyards, and a national strategy that puts the Navy back on solid footing.
This isn’t just a Navy issue—it’s an American issue. It’s time to reconnect defense with civic duty. Support the sailors. Support the shipbuilders. Support the mission. Continue reading “Open Letter: Give the Navy the Tools—And Stop Leaving Us to Pick Up the Pieces”
