The Decline of Naval Supremacy on Display: Aboard the USS George Washington

The USS George Washington’s presence in the Middle East has become a familiar sight, but beneath its imposing hull lies a complex reality: the US Navy is struggling to maintain its grip on maritime supremacy. As I watched CBS News’ Tom Hanson report from aboard the aircraft carrier, it was hard not to think of the naval battles that once defined great powers.

The George Washington’s deployment is a response to shifting global politics, where navies are increasingly seen as key instruments of statecraft. However, this shift masks a more profound issue: the US Navy’s inability to keep pace with emerging technologies and changing threat profiles. The carrier itself is an anachronism, a reminder that even the most advanced warships can be vulnerable to new forms of attack.

The USS George Washington’s mission in the Middle East is multifaceted, aiming not only to demonstrate military might but also to contain the growing influence of China and Russia in the region. However, this approach relies on a model of naval warfare that is increasingly irrelevant. The US Navy’s emphasis on carrier groups and surface combatants overlooks the emerging importance of submarines and other underwater platforms.

The decline of naval supremacy is not unique to the United States; it’s a global issue reflecting the changing nature of modern conflict. Cyberwarfare, unmanned systems, and asymmetric tactics are gaining prominence, upending traditional notions of military power. The US Navy’s struggles in this regard serve as a microcosm for a broader trend: the increasing irrelevance of large-scale naval deployments in modern warfare.

The USS George Washington’s deployment highlights the changing nature of conflict itself. As proxy wars and hybrid threats become more prevalent, navies are caught between competing priorities. The US Navy’s response has been inadequate, with too much focus on high-tech systems and not enough attention paid to developing a robust understanding of emerging threats.

As I watched Hanson’s report from aboard the carrier, it was clear that the US Navy faces a daunting challenge: maintaining its relevance in an increasingly complex security landscape. The answer lies not in reviving old models of naval warfare but in embracing new approaches that prioritize flexibility, adaptability, and technological innovation. The US Navy needs to rethink its approach to maritime supremacy, recognizing that emerging technologies, shifting threat profiles, and changing global dynamics will shape the future of naval power.

The USS George Washington’s continued operation in the Middle East serves as a symbol of the decline of naval supremacy and the need for a fundamental rethink of America’s maritime strategy. As the US Navy struggles to adapt to changing circumstances, it must confront the limitations of its current approach and chart a new course for maintaining its relevance in an increasingly complex world.