The true strength of sea power can only be measured in terms of a nation's ability to use the sea to further its:

The ability of a nation to utilize its sea power is fundamentally tied to how effectively it can advance its national objectives. Naval power is certainly a crucial component of this, but it is not the only measure of strength. A nation's sea capabilities encompass more than just its vessels and weaponry; they involve logistics, transportation, commerce, diplomacy, and the influence exerted beyond its shores.

Using the sea to achieve national objectives means leveraging maritime assets for trade, securing vital shipping routes, projecting power, and participating in international alliances. When a nation can achieve its goals through a combination of military readiness and economic strength at sea, it demonstrates the true potency of its sea power. This connection between sea power and national objectives underscores the strategic nature of a nation's maritime capabilities and its broader interests in the global arena.

The other options, while interconnected to a degree, do not capture the holistic role of sea power in shaping and achieving a country's aims on the world stage. Thus, measuring sea power through the lens of national objectives is the most comprehensive approach.