Sea/Land Battle Carrier Battle Group Tactical Support in Contingency Operations

摘要

This monograph examines the role of carrier battle groups in contingencyoperations. The traditional role of the carrier battle group is to defeat enemy fleets and gain control of the seas. Today's carrier battle groups were designed and built for this traditional role. However, the current world situation makes such battles at sea unlikely; contingency operations in various parts of the world may require the power of the carrier battle group be used to support troops ashore. This research attempts to determine if this is a proper role for the carrier battle group. The answer to this question will have implications for the design and doctrine of the future Navy. The monograph identifies the theoretical foundations of current U.S. Navy doctrine. It also discusses how this naval theory can be used to determine the role of the carrier battle group. Two historical examples are studied to examine the utility of carrier battle groups in a tactical support role. Then the capabilities and limitations of modern American carrier battle groups are examined.