Growing Worries On The Strain That The U.S. Carrier Fleet Is Now Experiencing

The USS Ronald Reagan

The Hill: Experts alarmed at 'strains' on aircraft-carrier fleet

The Navy’s 272-ship force is straining under today’s security challenges, some experts say — and one glaring symptom is a shortage of aircraft carriers.

For the first time in almost a decade, the Navy does not currently have a single aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf area to execute the war against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), or to keep Iran in check.

There was also an interruption to what is billed as a “continuous carrier presence” in the Asia-Pacific region after the USS George Washington left in July and its replacement did not get there until the fall.

Earlier this week, senior Navy officials publicly acknowledged there will be more gaps next year. The basic problem is simple: The Navy only has 10 aircraft carriers, one short of what senior officers say is required.

WNU Editor: Quite a contrast when President Reagan was President .... during his time the U.S. Navy had 15 aircraft carriers.