The U.S. and Royal Malaysian Navy vessels KD Lekir, guided-missile frigate USS Ford and KD Sri Inderapura sail in formation during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2008, July 14, 2008. CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises involving the United States and several Southeast Asian nations designed to build relationships and enhance operational readiness. U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Brian BrannonUS Navy To Maintain Pacific Focus -- The Australian/AFP
THE US Navy will place a top priority on deploying ships in the Asia-Pacific region even as it faces possible budget cuts that could curtail other global missions, the naval chief says.
With China's clout rising and its military reach expanding, President Barack Obama's deputies and military commanders increasingly portray Asia as a key to American national security.
"Asia will be clearly a priority and we will adjust our operations accordingly," Admiral Jonathan Greenert, US chief of naval operations, told reporters in a teleconference.
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Update #1: For US Navy, Asia is crucial priority: admiral -- AFP
Update #2: U.S. CNO: For Navy, Asia Is Priority -- Defense News
My Comment: This focus on Asia by the Navy is the right one. This century (and probably the next) is Asia's. It is where the people are. It is where much of the world's development and economic growth is happening. And .... it is where tensions and animosities can result in a conflict that can easily surpass any other war or conflict on the planet. Not surprisingly .... it is also where US Defense Secretary is right now.