Our submarine and naval aviation forces are the best in the world, but our surface fleet is facing serious challenges. A recent CIMSEC article outlines the global growth of China’s dual naval and maritime militia forces, who are creating new demand signals for U.S. naval presence. Small warships can also provide unique personnel logistics support by carrying Marines into harm’s way. Small warships have a long history in the U.S. Navy and are poised to offer an evolutionary leap in capability. Small, highly automated, lightly crewed, blue-water warships will help offset the capabilities of competing fleets and ensure enduring maritime superiority for the U.S. Navy.