The debate over the value of flattops is on again.
Every so often, someone will present a case disparaging the value of the US Navy’s aircraft carriers. These attempts to persuade military leaders of more effective ways to project sea power generally pick up on some new weapon or threat to justify deep-sixing the backbone of the US force presence – the modern nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. So it is with economist Mr. Philip Pilkington’s National Interest article “Why Aircraft Carriers Are Becoming Obsolete.”
Few would deny the US Navy has come under scrutiny for its ability to field warships. However, the value of the formidable nuclear-powered aircraft carrier has not been high on the list for evaluation for warfighting value.
The new hypersonic, multiple-warhead intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)…
