I played around with the computer version of the Harpoon naval warfare simulation game quite a bit some years ago. What knowledge of the platforms and capabilities I *think* I learned makes me vary wary about us sending carriers into restricted waters like the Persian Gulf. Blue water, please.
Further comments from someone like you would be most welcome.
We have impressive capabilities but Russia, China and Iran are dedicated to Area Denial warfare. Were I 20 years younger, I would not want to be on an aircraft carrier in, as you put it, restricted waters like the Persian Gulf, when Iran launches a swarm attack with gunboats and missiles.
The more I think about how the future is unfolding, the more depressing it is.