Two retired Navy officers, Commander Bryan McGrath and Captain Jerry Hendrix, debated the effectiveness and efficiency of aircraft carriers for maritime defense strategy for the U.S. military. Mr. McGrath argued that “nuclear aircraft carriers with air wings are the most cost effective and efficient platform to project power in the maritime and littoral realm to support U.S. national security interests in current and future security environments.” Captain Hendrix argued against the resolution.
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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Japan’s Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi inspect a guard of honor on October 29, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. (Getty Images)