Originally Posted by
WE Branch Fanatic
I think the carriers were also key in the encounters with Libyan forces in the Gulf of Sidra.
WEBF this is indeed true as the only alternative would have been assets based in Malta, Cyprus or Crete. However that begs the question. Without carrier based assets there would have been no encounters.
As for EW assets to support the offensive Malta was only 200 miles distant, Signonella about 350 and Souda Bay not far either.
Given the number of airbases around the Med the value of a carrier might be limited and indeed even a liability.