What did Mahan say was the main thing the US lacked in order to make her influence equal to her interests?

Alfred Thayer Mahan argued that the main thing the United States lacked to match its interests with its influence was a strong navy. He believed that naval power was essential for projecting military strength, securing trade routes, and establishing a dominant global presence. Mahan emphasized that without a formidable fleet, the U.S. would struggle to defend its overseas interests and compete effectively with other maritime powers. Thus, he advocated for the expansion and modernization of the U.S. Navy as a critical component of national strategy.