[droopybuns]

Their function is to both perform War and to project enough strength that War is undesirable to other parties.

What is the reasonable argument that this institution should prioritize Whale protection in that continuum?

I am arguing against you, but I am pro-whale, pro-dolphin, pro-environment. I am trying to make the point that "why not?" is a silly question. It's not simple. People need to fight for doing the right thing here. The Navy's job is "war." If your institution is in possession of & has the opportunity to use nuclear weapons, you aren't spending time focusing on "doing nice things".