[HitmanLV]

At this point it is impossible to determine the credibility of the threat

Well I can determine the credibility. 'Destroying' an aircraft carrier is a pretty tall order. Then again destroying WTC was a pretty tall order. My instinct tells me this isn't too credible - what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

[oceanview]

a suicide mini-sub packed with explosives?

[Fitzcarraldo]

My instinct tells me this isn't too credible - what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

The carrier's own weapons?

[AntiGuv]

...what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

They have a history of crashing jetliners into their targets.

[GeronL]

what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

Maybe four airliners??

[AntiGuv]

Granted, a carrier could easily shoot one down - obviously. I wonder if they'd do that? Probably.

[PokeyJoe]

what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

A 727 (civilian colors) from Africa loaded with fuel and explosives.

Remember the damage caused to the ship when one missle cooked off under Senator McCain's aircraft?

[Blue Jays]

Good Evening All-

"...Then again destroying WTC was a pretty tall order.."

***************

Despite the inane ramblings from Richard Clarke, we weren't prepared for the WTC to be attacked by a swarm of Islamic kooks. Unfortunately, the WTC was also not equipped with a Phalanx Close-In Weapons System mounted on the roof.

If those dirtbags had any juice, they would just attack the aircraft carrier...not posture and blather endlessly about it. They ain't got nothin' going on. Support our men and women in uniform as they shield us from these sandy punks.

~ Blue Jays ~

[mvpel]

what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

With the cannon of the Phalanx Close-In Weapons System standing ready to deliver 75 20mm (.79 caliber) APDS tungsten rounds per second, not much:

Phalanx provides ships of the U.S. Navy with a "last-chance" defense against anti-ship missiles and littoral warfare threats that have penetrated other fleet defenses. Phalanx automatically detects, tracks and engages anti-air warfare threats such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft, while the Block 1B's man-in-the-loop system counters the emerging littoral warfare threat. This new threat includes small,high-speed surface craft, small terrorist aircraft, helicopters and surface mines. Phalanx accomplishes these engagements via an advanced search and track radar system integrated with a stabilized, forward looking infra-red (FLIR) detector. This integrated FLIR provides Phalanx with an unique multi-spectral detect and track capability for littoral warfare threats and dramatically improves the existing anti-air warfare capability. Block 1B also incorporates new Optimized Gun Barrels which provide improved barrel life, improved round dispersion and increased engagement ranges.

Phalanx is the only deployed close-in weapon system capable of autonomously performing its own search, detect, evaluation, track, engage and kill assessment functions. Phalanx also can be integrated into existing Combat Systems to provide additonal sensor and fire-control capability.

[solitas]

Well I can determine the credibility. 'Destroying' an aircraft carrier is a pretty tall order. Then again destroying WTC was a pretty tall order. My instinct tells me this isn't too credible - what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

Yeah - while the buildings didn't have radar or attack aircraft the KH ought to be able to knock down any thing at any distance. As long as they don't give any incomings a lot of friend/foe benefits-of-the-doubt...

[Long Cut]

Unfortunately, there's always one time a ship is almost completely vulnerable...in port.

See also, USS COLE, Pearl Harbor 12/7/41, etc.

Out at sea, no, no one's getting close, especially since a warning has (undoubtedly) been transmitted to the ship (and all other carriers) and they are now on alert, but a pierside attack is something else again.

[smonk]

the WTC didn't have an air wing on it and a naval task
force surrounding it.

I have a alternative headline; "Tomorrow you will
witness the slaughter of 10 guys that thought that
it was easy to destroy an aircraft carrier."
subtitle; "Where are we gonna find *another* 720
virgins?"

[sd-joe]

>> "what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?" <<

"Suitcase" nuke smuggled aboard and located at the right place.

[spunkets]

"what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?"

7200 nekkid virgins swimmin' up?

[TomasUSMC]

A muslim sailor in the armory or magazine or engine room.

[Joe Hadenuf]

My instinct tells me this isn't too credible - what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

Maybe they plan on recruiting the mighty Haitian Navy.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

Didn't some AQ quack make statements last week or so about AQ possessing suitcase nukes that were bought from the former Soviet Union?

Perhaps a USS Cole-like attack is in the offing.

[Montfort]

"what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?"

A (quietly) radical Moslem sailor with a small dirty bomb or suitcase bomb that he somehow managed to smuggle on board.

I mean, it's not like it is unthinkable after what that guy did already shooting his own comrades in arms.

[TankerKC]

...what in AQ's arsenal could possibly get close enough to an aircraft carrier that could destroy it?

AO1 Mohammed?

[WhiteyAppleseed]

A biased media fueling the lord of the universe, public opinion?