Here is an article by a retired USN Officer about the problem of a limited number of ships and too many places.
An answer can be found in U.S. Air Force air power theory. That theory asserts that air power is a scarce but mobile resource. These two characteristics imply that it must be subject to centralized management such that can be applied strategically across the theater. This logic can be scaled up and applied to sea power on a global basis. In other words, the nation’s sea power, at least the allocation of it, should be managed by a staff in Washington that has a global perspective. Sea power, given the reduced size of the fleet, is a scarce asset whose application must be managed strategically.
As far as I know we have no plans to permanently assign capabilities to geographical areas - for all of the talk of the Indo Pacific, we still have commitments in the Arabian Gulf, and have a strong presence in the North Atlantic was named as one of the pillars of the Future Navy. We have committed a
carrier capability to NATO, and also amphibious forces. None of this means they cannot be deployed elsewhere in the World, but it does mean they cannot be permanently East of Singapore. Given that NATO plans for deploying thirty major warships, thirty squadrons of combat aircraft, and thirty mechanised infantry battalions within thirty days this is feasible.
“The JEF is a partnership of like-minded nations that provides a high-readiness force of over 10,000 personnel. It is committed to supporting global and regional peace, stability and security either on its own or through multinational institutions such as NATO. Made up of northern European nations, the JEF’s prime interest is in Euro-Atlantic security with efforts focused on but not limited to the High North, North Atlantic and Baltic regions where it can complement the NATO deterrence efforts in the region. The signing of a joint declaration to make a substantial commitment to the NATO Readiness Initiative recognises this and the Readiness Initiative’s future contribution to European peace and security.
According to S of S Defence:
“A Global Britain will continue to play a leading role in NATO, working with multiple Allies and contributing a range of capabilities, cementing the UK as a Tier 1 military power. That was clearly demonstrated today with the declaration that the Joint Expeditionary Force will contribute to the NATO Readiness Initiative. including through a UK-led land brigade and the UK Carrier Strike Group.”