Jimlad:
"In my opinion the events post 9/11 show that bases won't always be there and that investing in carriers will ensure a decent power projection capability that is not tied to a foreign airfield".
Really, where? If you mean Afghanistan, the USN operations would be impossible without tanker support operating from land bases. There would also be no proper reconnaissance or C2 which operate from land bases. It should be pointed out that the USAF B1, B2 and B52 forces delivered around 80% of all munitions dropped.
If anything has come out of the last 10 years it is the continuous reinforcement of the need and efficacy of a heavy bomber force.
It is not surprising, therefore, that everyone is still buying hundreds of tactical jets designed for the Cold War.