[PAR35]

I'd just figure Ms. Kitty would have some years left in her.

The Kennedy was the one that was supposed to remain in service until 2017 or so, before its sudden retirement. The Kitty Hawk would have needed a major overhaul to have extended its useful life.

After we started this exchange, it occurred to me that what is really needed for that theater are a couple of light carriers loaded with F-35Bs, a few choppers, and perhaps some modified Bell 609s. Something along the lines of a slightly modified Wasp class. Base one in Florida, one somewhere on the central or western Gulf.

And, of course, I've previously advocated a couple of dozen DE subs with AIP for operations in the Gulf, Carribean, and the Western border areas.

[RSmithOpt]

I like your take....after all our souther backside (ocean and land) has been hanging in the breeze for a while now. Though, now way we can ever keep every foot covered, just the fact we're there keeps the bad guys guessing.

OK, 'Big John' is good with me....I watched Jackie & Caroline christen her live that day on the tube. Cool....I always had a crush on Caroline as a kid...shsssshhhh!!!

[Non-Sequitur]

The Kennedy was the one that was supposed to remain in service until 2017 or so, before its sudden retirement. The Kitty Hawk would have needed a major overhaul to have extended its useful life.

The Kitty Hawk did have the major mid-life overhaul, it was the JFK which didn't. Besides, they need to retire the Kitty Hawk to free up an airwing for the GHW Bush which should be commissioning in a couple of years.