WWII hand-powered lathe from Liberty Ship - photo

[Toolmaker51]

ALL the preceding strategic opinions, and realities of engagement are true. One thing has been over-looked, though Frank S alluded to it. The most powerful instrument the US Navy has, isn't so much of a weapon; deterrence. Deterrence, also known as projection of power, has a most certain effect. Whether the Battleships are preserved for use is subject to conjecture; re-commissioning would be a serious undertaking. Yet even at rest, they prove that effect remains. When shelling of known ammo dump inside a mountain proved successful targeting by endless secondary explosions, those who discredit naval gunfire were taken aback. Sometime later, there were interrogations of captives that also reinforced a theory from long before. 'Technology' such as cruise missiles have their measure of psychological and tactical impact, but are seen as something that can be countered. When a BB slid into station, far over the horizon, you knew something would happen.
That 16" round, 1900lbs or more, traveling at 2500 fps (820m/s) or more, is coming. Fired 20+ miles away, virtually no heat signature, comparatively small profile (and smaller yet in section), substantially faster than most jet fighters, few if any stationary or mobile platform has much chance of 'shooting it down'.