The aircraft carrier continues to be the centerpiece of the forces necessary for forward presence. Whenever there has been a crisis, the first question has been: "Where are the carriers?" Carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat, and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea; and engage in sustained operations in support of other forces.
The Wasp class has an air group of helicopters that are used to ferry U.S. Marines and equipment to the shore from the ships. These helicopters are supplemented by a squadron of up to eight AV-8B Harrier II Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing ground-attack aircraft. Up to 20 Harriers can be embarked when the ship is used as a temporary STOL or "Harrier Carrier”.
They also possess a "well"-deck for launching smaller landing craft, up to three LCAC hovercraft or Landing Craft Utility. Attraction and Flagship of the Navy's "Forward from the sea." power projection mission. Hosting 85 aircraft and carrying enough supplies to sustain her Air Wing and escorts for 90 days, the modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in effect, represents a mobile piece of American real estate, capable of projecting the power and influence of the United States anywhere in the world. With the end of the Cold War the navy carrier mission has shifted from maintaining Sea Lanes of Communication and confronting the Soviet Navy to addressing regional threats to U.S. interests.
While still fully capable of dominating the open seas, the Navy, through the Carrier Battle Groups, now focus on supporting near shore "littoral zone" and inshore U.S. ground operations. While the Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruisers and Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile destroyer possess an awesome amount of firepower, they lack the flexibility of the carrier air wing. By swapping out and adjusting the number of aircraft aboard, the aircraft carrier can tailor its air wing to meet mission needs.
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