Originally Posted by
SASless
Two Carrier task groups sounds like a huge collection of assets but there is a lot of area to be covered, the Ships themselves require air cover, and the air arm can only carry out so many sorties a day and do so for extended periods of time demands a lot from ships, aircraft, and people.
Not to mention a few other oceans and hotspots that require the attention and presence oof Western Naval Forces.
The Wild Card in this is Turkey. Is their Boss Fellah just talking smack or is he serious about intervening and does he have the support of his. own military and populace for doing that?
How complicated is it for a NATO member, in this case Turkey, to take up arms against some of its NATO Allies?
That must be a worrisome thought for those on each side that might have to tangle with the other.
Don't forget the British have a fairly permanent and unsinkable aircraft carrier in the area too, so it is not just down to a couple of attractive targets cruising round the Eastern Med with all the other ships it needs to keep them safe.