So is this Victorian era version of national “dick waving” and testing nukes? It still sounds costly but less so then nukes and less bad for environment(also less dangerous).
While sailors, marines, and navy seamen can be notoriously rowdy bunch even today while station in foreign ports or bases they do bring business. That is people to sell to and still have their own demands/needs outside of military with their surplus earning from service(military provides basics so everything they are buying is more luxury or “extra goods” unlike normal civilians).
The issue that can arise is local servicemen station there could have “event” or unfriendly exchanges with locals. Some during this time even leading to causal protest and riots and mob fights usually in red light district or bar or part of town/port where people go to have fun. Prostitution also becomes issue.
Additionally, because your welcomed by government or local elites does not mean the locals appreciate a glorified military/navy parade by foreign power especially bigger one then their own. That can easily send message to local people or be taken as “are they trying to threaten us or make us out as their bitches!!!!?”. The US navy is not always welcomed in UK even in current day and even those we are close allies. Also it’s just noisy, make ports more overcrowded, and like mentioned before rowdy servicemen, prostitution, and illegal smuggling becomes a concern.
For example, the US still has to check for soldiers not smuggling stuff back home. Sometimes they have literally hidden drugs and weapons in dead soldiers bodies once shipped back home because they are less likely to check that. A lot of opium in middle in Victorian era and still even in modern day. Many soldiers might bring drug home which could cause issues
Some of it is national pride and “appearances” even if petty at times.
For example, the British had to cut down its navy with decolonization and due to lack of support/funding for previous large scale one of world wars of Victorian era. Also big battleships largely become impractical expenses even with military itself once you get aircraft carriers or more modern navy. Need more mobility then raw fire power.
Now look at US recently with pass administration spending on battleships. That services no purpose besides “dick swinging” at China to say “we can build more, better, and faster then you if we really wanted too or chose too especially military wise”. The US also has money and power leverage to “flaunt” its military power and funding so recklessly because who can really say anything if they decide to do as they please.
The UK navy during Victorian era and pre world wars is in similar boat as global superpower. The do largely rule seas and only one that can seriously challenge that navy in straight up fight very late game US.
The only serious large scale military operations from foreign powers we have allowed on our soil is Italian Air Force and show. Partly because it was cool/entertaining along with having many Italians here but more importantly we did not see Italy as threat. We aren’t letting British, French, or Germans flaunt their military might in our ports/waters or land.
