Few things display the
U.S. commitment to
its foreign policy better
than the presence of an
aircraft carrier battle
group. These modern-day armadas perform their first task
simply by showing up. And when
deterrence is not enough, this balanced
group of ships, planes, weapons and
crew has the firepower to make
good on any threat.
Squadrons of fighter jets
provide combat air support
to ground forces. During last
year’s bombing campaign
in Afghanistan, Navy planes
worked from as far as 2,000
miles away from the carrier.
The Aircraft Carrier
The
aircraft carrier is the centerpiece of the battle group.
Its rear admiral commands the entire group. It brings
an Air Wing, a squadron of planes, within striking
distance of enemy forces.
Guided Missile Destroyer
Mainly used for defense
against air and submarine
threats, they can also strike a
target on land with Tomahawk
Cruise Missiles – missiles that
can strike from almost 1,000
miles away.
23 officers, 300 enlisted
Guided Missile Cruiser
Cruisers protect a carrier from
an air attack with high-power
radar systems to detect a threat
and surface-to-air missiles to
intercept it. They are almost
always in the vicinity of the carrier.
24 officers, 340 enlisted
Destroyer
Used for anti-submarine warfare,
destroyers also conduct
maritime intercept operations –
forcing entry onto a foreign ship
suspected of smuggling illegal
weapons or carrying terrorists.
Destroyers are supplied with
Tomahawk cruise missiles.
30 officers, 352 enlisted
Frigate
Frigates are also
used for anti-submarine
warfare
and maritime
intercept
operations, but do
not carry long-range
missiles.
13 officers, 287 enlisted
Oiler/supply ship
A fuel storage ship for the
Carrier Air Wing, cruisers,
destroyers and frigates.
40 officers, 627 enlisted
Submarine
Attack subs can destroy
enemy ships and gather
intelligence on foreign
forces. They can also
transport special operations
forces on clandestine
missions.
13 officers, 121 enlisted
‘Eyes of the fleet’
An E-2C Hawkeye,
equipped with radar that
can track thousands of
targets within 150,000
square miles, provides
early warning for the carrier.
Crew of 5
SOURCES: U.S. Navy; GlobalSecurity.org; “Carrier: A Guided Tour of an Aircraft Carrier” by Tom Clancy AP
