To what extent do the air craft carriers represent the future of USN power projection?
Structure
• Introduction:
o With their capacity to strike enemy warships or land targets hundreds of miles away, US Navy aircraft carriers superseded battleships as the main warship over 70 years ago. Since World War II, the United States' aircraft carriers and carrier air wing have functioned virtually unscathed, delivering unequalled air support and force projection capacity in every US engagement.
o Admiral Gilday / Teodore Roosevelt / Mahan perspectives.
o Thesis: This essay discusses the future of aircraftcarriers. Although it faces a growing and advanced threat with expensive running costs, this essay will argue that aircraftcarriers are the future of USN power projection. (With description of how the structure will be set to support the arguments) 600-750 words.
• Background
o Evolutions of carriers. (Avoid telling events / think about themes) (refer to USN doctrine)
o US Navy aircraft carriers’ usage throughout wars. (How this support the argument??)
o Debates & literature (DIFFERENT PRESPECTIVE)
• Power projection Capabilities
o Definition of power projection
o Roles & utilities: the strategic mobility of the platform and the reach of its air wing. what benefits the USN derives from operating carriers?
o Capabilities
o What are the alternatives for US Navy to provide power projection? (Counter argument) but refer to the argument that the aircraft carriers remain the most effective option.
• Challenges: (while explaining the following points highlight how it is related to the argument)
o Political
o Military. Fearsome Warship or Expensive Target?
o Tech advancement: Arms Race has developed the naval tech/ new counter measures can be used to deal with new and emerging threats. + Can new UAV/ Unmanned system added?
o Economic. (Counter argument)
• Debates & Literature: Recently, an increasing number of critics are predicting the end of the aircraft carrier era. They cite the growing threats from anti-ship missiles, such as China’s DF-21D “carrier killer”; the proliferation of increasingly quieter attack submarines; and advanced integrated air and missile defense capabilities. They also argue that current carrier strike fighter aircraft and their weapons lack sufficient range to engage targets in a denied/degraded environment. Aircraft carrier proponents argue that a modern U.S. supercarrier uniquely provides a globally deployable U.S. airfield that can rapidly respond to emergent crises and does not depend the approval of any host nation. While they acknowledge the increased threats to the carrier strike group and its air wing, they argue that introduction of the fifth generation F-35, long-range unmanned carrier-based tankers, advanced weapons and electronic warfare systems, and the employment of new operational tactics will enable the aircraft carrier to remain relevant for the foreseeable future. (vulnerability)
• Conclusion.
summary of the essay + key issues + this essay has shown that… 600-750 words.