So far as I know, new destroyers may be slower than WW2 counterparts. I believe Fletcher Class DDs were capable of speeds as high as 35 to 38 knots. I am correct on that?
I love aircraft carriers, but if they are attacked by waves of cruise missiles launched from a long way out, how would one evade and survive?
Interesting post, thanks.
Seawolf class challenges that speed, I won’t go further
Carriers do not travel alone. There is a lot of interlocking firepower available to sweep the skies free of missiles.
Carriers can also launch a counter attack to the missile launch sites, without crossing over the nuclear threshold.
Of course once an opponent crosses that threshold, all bets are off...
They are slower, but they're better sea boats and more capable. And if you've got a missile chasing you then the fact that you only do 32 knots instead of 38 isn't going to matter much.
Anyone remember “ The Bedford Incident” - great movie.
When subs are high value enough, there’s always the nuclear depth charge. ( Close counts with horse shoes, hand grenades and nuclear depth charges).
The benefits of overwhelming the defenses with cheap missiles so far outweighs the costs that someone, somewhere, someday will find it in their interests to try.