As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, it is worth remembering a simple truth: our nation's prosperity, security, and global influence have always depended on the sea. From the first American warships that challenged the world's greatest empire to today's carrier strike groups, submarines, and Marines deployed around the globe, sea power has protected the freedom to trade, travel, and prosper. It has kept wars far from our shores and ensured that America—not our adversaries—helped shape the international order. That responsibility has never been greater. China is building the world's largest navy. Russia continues to challenge maritime security from Europe to the Arctic. Iran threatens one of the world's most important shipping lanes. The Indo-Pacific has become the center of