Recent images of U.S. Navy ships have been drawing attention for the wrong reasons. Rust streaks and weathered waterlines have sparked concerns among citizens and retired Naval personnel about the appearance of their ships compared to the nearly rust-free vessels of other countries.

In reality, it’s somewhat unreasonable to expect U.S. Navy vessels to maintain the same appearance as other navies, considering they are deployed worldwide for extended periods, while other countries operate mainly within their own waters and closer to docks. Nevertheless, leveraging superior resources, manpower, and funding to combat these challenges and maintain a top-notch appearance is crucial to projecting strength. The visual condition of the ships is a matter of pride and can impact how the U.S. Navy is perceived by other nations.

The fight against rust entails significant manpower, costly paint, dry-dock visits, and other expenses, leading to substantial costs for the navy. However, as wooden and aluminum ships are no longer viable options, the only option is to persist in these efforts until a revolutionary rust solution emerges.