Naval aviation has given America unrivaled influence and deterrence. If that global presence is to remain a vital component of our national security strategy it is imperative that it be adequately resourced.
The United States emerged as a global superpower in the international geopolitical scene during the 20th century, and remains a global superpower—with global interests—at the conclusion of the first decade of the 21st century. To underscore that, President Barack Obama used the word “global” (and several derivatives) 184 times over the course of 52 pages in the 2010 National Security Strategy . 1 Additionally, the document says that “The United States must renew its leadership in the world by building and cultivating the sources of our strength and influence. Our national security depends upon America’s ability to leverage our unique national attributes , [emphasis added] just as global security depends upon strong and responsible American leadership.” 2
