2 aircraft carriers ?
Two aircraft carriers, both with a displacement of about 64,000 tons ! These carriers will only go to sea with a battle group of about 5 destroyers for extra protection, and probably a submarine under the waves. This is how the U.S. navy operates it's big carriers.
Also, it has been necessary to spend a lot of money on enlarging the berths in Pompey naval dockyard to accommodate these new carriers. It has been said that these carriers will have a lifespan of about 50 years. I somehow doubt that.
Does the navy currently have enough spare surface ships and subs to be deployed on almost permanent battle group duties ? If not, the government had better stump up some more defence budget cash, and start a new ship building programme !
It would have made more sense if the contract had been to build 3 smaller carriers of about 40,000 tons. 3 carriers could be rotated between minor and major refits, with perhaps one in reserve at any time.
Rob. S. Ex Bootneck with 2 years service on H.M.S. Centaur, (a fixed wing carrier).
Biting the hand that feeds IT
