[Mariner]

"And the English, and the French and the Italians and the Russians. And a lot of other countries have a lot of experience with deploying used carriers they got from other countries. Just because you don't consider something 'legitimate' or 'useful' does not mean it does not have strategic significance and tactical utility. "

The Japanese have only small helicopter carriers...and that's NOT an Aircraft Carrier.

Additionally, the purpose of an aircraft carrier is power projection against hostile opposition.

I contend the English, French, Italians, Russians...or any country other than the US and Japan have ever achieved that standard.

Under your standard, our LHA and WASP class ships are "legitimate" aircraft carriers...completely unable to defend themselves in a power projection role and completely without "strike" capability beyond 200miles inland...and CERTAINLY not against a hostile air force.

[GonzoGOP]

Additionally, the purpose of an aircraft carrier is power projection against hostile opposition.

I contend the English, French, Italians, Russians...or any country other than the US and Japan have ever achieved that standard.

There are some Argentine pilots that might dispute the fact that the Royal Navy was unable to do power projection with Harrier carriers. The RN has done power projection with ships who's capabilities are fare less than what the new Japanese flattops will be capable of.

[jboot]

As I understand it, there is a plan to upgrade several Wasps to operate the F-35B STOVL. That would make the Wasp capable of the power projection role, albeit on a smaller scale than the CVNs.

Assuming it doesn't get cancelled, the F-35B will be MUCH more capable than the Harrier. It will be a real game-changer.

[lentulusgracchus]

Additionally, the purpose of an aircraft carrier is power projection against hostile opposition. I contend the English, French, Italians, Russians...or any country other than the US and Japan have ever achieved that standard.

I don't know where you get that.

The British had tons of experience operating both full-sized and intermediate-sized CV's during the 20's, 30's, 40's, and 50's, with both propeller-driven and jet aircraft.

The last of their large flattops, HMS Ark Royal and Eagle, operated Rolls-Royce-engined F-4K's as their main embarked type in the 60's and 70's.