Publication
Oct 2002
This 2002 report reviews the role that aircraft carriers play in US national defense. The report examines the applicability of aircraft carriers and considers their potential transformation in the future. The report concludes that the US Navy should aggressively pursue new sea-based air system concepts in order to keep ahead of missions and threats. The report provides the US Navy with suggestions on how and where to focus its efforts, spending, and development on a new carrier design that will maintain its operability in future missions.