Quote:
Originally Posted by wavehawk
Likewise, aircraft carriers are starting to be less effective. While they carry a large number of aircraft and firepower, carriers are primarily very large and vulnerable without an accompanying fleet of destroyers, frigates, submarines and obviously it's own air wing. Without all the rest of the fleet a Carrier's an easy target.
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Aircraft carriers will always have a role. They used to have a marine detachment under the decks until 1998, where they built LHA/Ds to house a battalion, which is up to 2-4 companies rather than a single one under the deck of a CV.
And then there are Special Forces (mostly SEALs, but expect GB/Delta, AFSOC CAC/Weathermen and PJs, maybe even spooks) numbering up to a (half-)platoon size, forming up a mini TF when necessary given their combined expertises.
And when needed, they can call Washington to bring in up to 2,500 crazies from the 75th Ranger Regiment in 18 hours. Not discounting the madmen already on the LHA/Ds. With air support and the ground troops, they can act as a sledgehammer to take over anything in their fleet area of operations until relieved by the rest of the US Army (Airborne > Army Corps, etc).
P.S Can I get a mod to shift this conversation set to the historical discussion thread? Thanks. (MOD EDIT: You're welcome.
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