Align Forces for Priorities

Assuming America defends its gains in the Middle East, we don't need carrier battle groups there.

Hear, hear:

It’s time to downgrade the Persian Gulf region on the Pentagon’s list of strategic priorities—and let the new, healthier consensus on China and Russia prevail. Let’s align naval operations and force deployments with national strategy at long last—and husband resources for where they are needed most.

As a general rule, we need to focus naval power on China by bringing it in from less important theaters where allies can take up the slack.

And specifically in regard to carrier air power, why can't our many allies in the region host American land-based air power? And if the Air Force can't handle that for some odd reason, why can't the Navy send carrier air wing elements to operate from land bases?

Our power in the Middle East can decline even as we maintain our ability to defend the gains made by our increased military commitments over the last three decades.

But this shift should not mean we refuse to defend our gains. Let's hope that Biden's clear signals he is "tired of dealing with the Middle East" doesn't abandon our gains.