Originally Posted by
Woodsy2417
Prescient in what way?
1. The cheap shot about the number of Admirals was inaccurate even then, and based on only counting certain types of ships.
2. The Navy leadership knew exactly what they were for - for sea control and power projection. Presumably the sketch writers bought into the end of history idea when everyone could put flowers in their hair and hold hands.
3. The CVF and FCBA projects started at pretty much the same time - and F-35B was always very likely.
4. Typical nonsense about the F-35B and technical issues.
5. Cobblers about Harriers - and ignoring the fact that the Sea Harrier (scrapped by then) had real air defence capability.
6. No mention of the latent threat from Russia, Iran, and so on.
7. No mention of ASW.
I could go on...Here is a video of ex F-14 Tomcat RIO Cdr Ward Carroll USN (Rtd) talking to a Surface Warfare Officer (later an Engineering Duty Officer) involved with early work on the new Ford class aircraft carriers. At 2.27 the mission needs statement is mentioned:
Independent of land bases, the aircraft carrier's airwing must simultaneously perform surveillance, battle-space dominance, and strike in sustained combat operation forward.
Not too dissimilar from our own planning:
MARITIME OPERATING CONCEPT - THE MARITIME FORCE CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTEGRATED OPERATING CONCEPT
Under section 5 - Force Level Outputs - page 50
The Maritime Force will be organised around four Force Level Outputs: Homeland and Operational Advantage in the North Atlantic; Persistent Engagement; Carrier Strike; Littoral Strike.
Carrier Strike - page 54
The heart of the Maritime Force’s – and NATO’s – warfighting capability Built around the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. Carrier Strike: Homeland Defence/Contingency/ Warfighting. Contribute to OANA. Through deployments to strategic locations across the globe, promote UK interests, deter adversaries and prevent conflict.
• Project decisive air power from a protected maritime task group, including gaining and retaining the necessary degree of sea control to ensure Freedom of Manoeuvre.
• Demonstrate Global Britain, with regular deployments openly demonstrating British will to engage and resolve to act.
• Contribute to UK/NATO warfighting capability, as a more lethal and more integrated Maritime Force.
• Enable and execute Special Operations.
Sea control is a carrier role - as discussed at length on
this discussion about carriers and the NATO sea control mission.