Yep. If we want to stand on our own to feet, just the ability to attack a ship (eventually) isn't enough. The ability to roll up anywhere on the same ocean and fire missiles is at least as useful. Buying both might be an option, although that costs.
I think it was meant that the arctic isn't the only theater that matters. According to the bio Micheal Lalond was in the military, so it's not a "nobody will ever attack us" thing.