In Washington, playing favorites is an old pastime. But the very skilled don’t talk about it, and all attempt to be seen as above it. Yet when it comes to service “favorites” inside the Beltway, the U.S. Navy is the winner and the Air Force the loser.

Just as a parent would never admit having a favorite child, no politician would ever actually admit they have favorites when it comes to the budget. But they don’t have to — the numbers speak for themselves. Overwhelmingly, the Navy is the service with the most political capital, the most potent caucus of supportive Congress members, and the greatest amount of shiny new equipment.