<P> In March 2007 , the U.S. Navy reached its smallest fleet size , with 274 ships , since World War I. Since the end of the Cold War , the Navy has shifted its focus from preparations for large - scale war with the Soviet Union to special operations and strike missions in regional conflicts . The Navy participated in the Iraq War and is a major participant in the ongoing War on Terror , largely in this capacity . Development continues on new ships and weapons , including the Gerald R. Ford - class aircraft carrier and the Littoral combat ship . One hundred and three U.S. Navy personnel died in the Iraq War . U.S. Navy warships launched cruise missiles into military targets in Libya during Operation Odyssey Dawn to enforce a UN resolution . </P>
<P> In March 2007 , the U.S. Navy reached its smallest fleet size , with 274 ships , since World War I. Since the end of the Cold War , the Navy has shifted its focus from preparations for large - scale war with the Soviet Union to special operations and strike missions in regional conflicts . The Navy participated in the Iraq War and is a major participant in the ongoing War on Terror , largely in this capacity . Development continues on new ships and weapons , including the Gerald R. Ford - class aircraft carrier and the Littoral combat ship . One hundred and three U.S. Navy personnel died in the Iraq War . U.S. Navy warships launched cruise missiles into military targets in Libya during Operation Odyssey Dawn to enforce a UN resolution . </P>
when was the last time the navy went to war
when was the last time the navy went to war
the ongoing War on Terror
the ongoing War on Terror