Hi, everyone.

This week, in honor of the 4th of July holiday, we're rebroadcasting one of our most patriotic episodes,

in which we explain why America needs a strong navy.

Next week, we'll be back with an all-new episode on the pros and cons of private space exploration.

See you soon.

Thank you. From the Heritage Foundation, I'm Michelle Cordero, and this is Heritage Explains. Close your eyes and imagine a map of the world.

Now instead of highlighting countries, illuminate the water.

Did you know that international waters actually cover 71% of the Earth's surface?

And it's the United States Navy that protects our interests there.

Unlike land forces, or even to a large extent, air forces, which are tethered to support bases around the world, the Navy can operate freely, across the globe, and shift its presence to wherever it needs to be without permission from another nation.

As a result, naval forces are often the first to respond to a crisis,

and through their routine forward deployments, continue to preserve U.S. security interests long after conflict formally ends.

In addition, the Navy also secures sea lanes for the free flow of goods and services.

Some you may never even have considered, but rely on every day.

Unfortunately, as Heritage has reported, in its index of U.S. military strength,

right now our Navy is the smallest it's been since World War I,

and its overall readiness the lowest in many years.

This week, Augusta and I had the privilege of talking with Admiral John Richardson,

our nation's chief of naval operations.

Since I'm guessing most of our listeners are civilians like me, if you didn't know,

Admiral Richardson is currently

the highest ranking officer on active duty in the Navy. Who else could be better to help

...