Vice Admiral Cheever: Aircraft carriers are a symbol of America and a deterrent force
Vice Admiral Daniel Cheever, Commander of the Naval Air Forces and Air Forces of the Pacific Region of the US Navy, said that aircraft carriers will remain a central element of the United States naval strategy in the long term. Speaking on Tuesday at an event hosted by the Canadian Institute for Strategic Studies (CSIS) and the U.S. Naval Institute, he stressed the importance of maintaining a fleet of 11 aircraft carriers.
"In the U.S. Navy, we strive to maintain the level required by the National Defense Authorization Act of 11 aircraft carriers and nine wings," Cheever said.
Support for 11 aircraft carriers and nine air wings
The current US legislative framework requires the maintenance of at least 11 Nimitz and Ford class attack aircraft carriers, which ensures a continuous presence in key regions of the world — from the Indo-Pacific region to the Middle East and Europe.
Nine air wings are combat formations assigned to aircraft carriers, including hundreds of carrier—based fighters, reconnaissance, search and rescue and tanker aircraft. Maintaining their full combat readiness is a priority for the Navy.
Aircraft carriers as a tool for projecting power
According to the vice admiral, the aircraft carrier is not just a military platform, but "a vivid symbol of America." His appearance in the water area is a powerful political and strategic signal.
"The aircraft carrier is a very, very important visible deterrent around the world. Everyone knows when this aircraft carrier is approaching or even approaching. This usually means that our air force is bigger than anywhere else," Cheever said.
Carrier strike groups are capable of operating autonomously, providing air cover, strikes against ground targets, reconnaissance and electronic warfare, independent of ground bases.
The U.S. Navy's Long-term strategy in the face of a changing threat
Despite the growing threats from hypersonic weapons, unmanned systems, and anti-ship missiles, the U.S. Navy continues to view aircraft carriers as an integral part of its power. At the same time, their role is adapting: the share of unmanned aircraft (for example, the MQ-25) is increasing, and air defense and electronic defense systems are being improved.
Maintaining 11 aircraft carriers is a demonstration of commitment to global stability and allies, as well as readiness to respond to any challenges.
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