America already activated 2n Fleet in the Atlantic. Now the shore headquarters is renamed Atlantic Fleet. This is because of the rise of Russian threats:
U.S. Atlantic Fleet dates back to 1906, but the name was changed to Fleet Forces Command in the mid-2000s, after the military turned its focus to missions in the Middle East. Fleet Forces Command oversees Navy missions to protect the homeland, as well as those in the Atlantic.
The move to bring back the Atlantic Fleet follows the Navy's 2018 decision to reestablish the U.S. 2nd Fleet to counter Russian presence in the Atlantic. U.S. 2nd Fleet currently falls under Fleet Forces Command.
Which is not to say that Russian capabilities are rising. The Russian blue water fleet is dying. But Russian hostility has risen a lot so we can't ignore that. It is best not to have to organize a fleet under whatever fire the Russians could direct that way.
Remember, Russia's fleet might be weak but our merchant marine is pretty sparse to reinforce Europe in a crisis.
I welcome this view from 2nd Fleet:
"Our ships can no longer expect to operate in a safe haven on the East Coast, or merely cross the Atlantic unhindered to operate in another location," [Vice Adm. Andrew "Woody" Lewis, 2nd Fleet's commander] said.
Yes, no safe havens. Will Atlantic Fleet address our east coast ports in that light?
