Battleships have proven themselves to be terriffic sources of off-shore fire power, and an inexpensive way to project power. While there have been no major surface engagements since the Battle of Leyte Gulf towards the end of WWII, armed surface ships have their place.
The new destroyers are part of the material acquisition process that ensures that more than a few people get rich. Also the Navy high command is full of aviators.
Another thing the Navy wants to do according to what I recently read, is to create something more than a master of arms, but less than a Navy SEAL, a new type of rating which the Navy is referring to as Naval Infantry. I already thought that is what the Navy had the Marine Corps for but apparently this naval infantry concept has captured the hearts and minds of more than a few at the Pentagon.
There are also some indicators and some defense analysts who suggest that China wants to build a blue water navy....still the cheapest way to project power world-wide.
Regards,
Mark