Who suggested that to become a world power the US must have a strong navy?

Answer 1

The actual quote is "Without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive.". It was quoted by General George Washington, prior to the Declaration of Independence and outset of the Revolutionary War.

There had been much debate in the Continental Congress as to whether or not having a Navy to go up against the British Royal Navy (considered foolish by many, who were after all, British colonists). Washington effectively ended that by commissioning 7 ocean going cruisers and capturing several British supply ships, later reporting it to Congress.

The United States is a Maritime Nation that relies on strategic imports (not just oil) that are not found on domestic soil in order to continue normal daily life. Without a strong Navy to keep the sea lanes open, we would be at the mercy of whoever did.

There have been other quotes over the course of U.S. history that are in line with Washington's:

"We ought to begin a naval power, if we mean to carry on our commerce."

- Thomas Jefferson

"Our ships are our natural bulwarks" - Woodrow Wilson

When a crisis confronts the nation, the first question often asked by policymakers is: 'What naval forces are available and how fast can they be on station?'

- Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost, former CNO

Answer 2

Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan. His book "The Influence of Sea Power" in 1890 argued that control of the navy was key to world dominance. Mahan helped stimulate the naval race among the great powers that gained momentum around the turn of the century.