The Allied States Navy (ASN) is the sea and air branch of the Allied States Military. As of 5 January 2012, the A.S. Navy had about 400,000 personnel on active duty. It operates a large number of ships in active service and aircraft. The Navy currently has 5 active aircraft carriers, and 1 under construction. The Allied States Navy maintains a sizable global presence, deploying in such areas as East Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It is a blue water navy with the ability to project force onto the littoral regions of the world, engage in forward areas during peacetime, and rapidly respond to regional crises, making it an active player in American foreign and defense policy.