Furthermore, as modern surface warships, with all their technology, are having trouble avoiding lumbering merchant ships, what does that imply about their ability in a hostile environment? Is it that modern threats are so fast, stealthy, autonomous and long-range that ship-handling would be largely irrelevant in combat?
Modern surface warfare involves firing cruise missiles from over 100 miles away. Ship handling is involved to the extent that you need to turn to bring your point defense systems to bear but you don't expect there to be obstacles anywhere nearby.
