(04-04-2024, 09:11 AM)The Real Marty Wrote:

(04-04-2024, 08:39 AM)homebiscuit Wrote: It’s a question of when that obsolescence is so absolute that carriers are useless. While newer weapons, and their countermeasures, are always being developed, there is nothing which can provide that concentration of mobile sustained power in the near future (decadal). 

Carriers can’t be mothballed simply because another power claims to have a weapon to sink it. More importantly, the mission of the carrier battle group simply can’t be replaced by technology assets held in reserve for response. In order to keep sea lanes open and free for the benefit of the world, we have to be there, on station, actively patrolling.

...which is incredibly expensive.  This is one area where I agree with Trump to a certain extent.  It's time for other countries to start footing the bill for the protection we provide.