[tanknetter]

A big deck CVN isn't needed for this kind of patrol work. Much better idea would be to rotate an LHA/LHD or two through the assignment. Harriers and helos, plus the ability to operate all sorts of watercraft from the well deck, should suffice.

Missing element would be organic AEW&C. Given the proximity to CONUS, using land-based E-2s, E-3s or the P-3 AEWs would be a viable option, although the LAMPS radar on the SH-60s might be enough. If a ship-based AEW&C is needed, the USN could adopt the solution used by the RN, Italian and Spanish Navies and put a bagged radar onto some helos.

Then again (and mostly joking here), the USN could always just buy that cute baby Harrier carrier that the Thais had Spain build for them. It was based on the USN's "sea control ship" concept from the 1970s ... ;-)

[cva66snipe]

A big deck CVN isn't needed for this kind of patrol work. Much better idea would be to rotate an LHA/LHD or two through the assignment. Harriers and helos, plus the ability to operate all sorts of watercraft from the well deck, should suffice.

I don't know if this still holds true but the Caribbean Basin has always been a traditional work ups location for CV's. Thirty Days down off GITMO for O.R.E. and INSURV etc usually a few months before deployment. I saw that area at sea about as much as VACAPES.