The primary function of carrier borne-airpower is the direct support of ground operations, for which the Harrier GR7/GR9 are eminently suited. In an operation where there is significant air threat to maritime forces, air defence will be provided by either land based or coalition aircraft in addition to sea based air defence. JSF will give the force the full spectrum of fast jet operations.
Hmmm, as long as there isn't any enemy airpower! As discussed
here.
I remember seeing a programme about carriers in the mid/late 90s in which the Captain of a CVS stated that the main advantage of a carrier was to achieve local air superiority. Did doctrine change that much in just a few years?