We also had a Carrier group in the Med. Chances are two hours is the outside for air cover overhead.
http://quotulatiousness.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/USN-Update-Map-20120202.jpg
No MED CVN presence
Yes, that's another point that should be brought up. I know, I worked the flight deck. While some think Congressman Issa is building a case, I still keep wondering why he is not asking the pertinent questions. But then if he is building a case, more power to him for being exacting.