Would you also put together the air plan for me. Once the carrier is in the Gulf you’ll need 24/7 coverage. You have 18 fighters and half again as many pilots. Plan on 2 being down for hard maintenance at any given time after the first week.
You’ll need a minimum of two overhead and two on the ready at all times (although that could be easily saturated). Your strike aircraft will also require a minimum of four per group (hoping you don’t run into any real opposition).
Even US CVN’s operate in groups to maintain 24/7 capabilities.
; )