[DarthVader]

I know Jeff but 1 carrier versus the US Pacific Fleet is a shooting arcade. Just like the Bismarck vs the Brits. A sub can overtake and hunt this ship down like a cheetah gets a gazelle. If a wolfpack of attack boats is used it is certain death for the ship and its crew. There is no escape from a Mk 48.

[Jeff Head]

That hunt is going to have to occur in the confined, litoral waters near the Chinese coast, under their land based air, and with a whole lot of their quiet diesel/electrics around waiting.

I have no doubts we can get the thing whenever we wanted her...but it may prove costly. Maybe better to let the naval fly boys, or the air force guys off Guam take her down...but they would have a gauntlet to run too, with Chinese air and the new area air defense DDGs they Chinese are pumping out.

They will hope to make it appear too costly to a new administration is my bet.