Sortie rates are irrelevant. It's time on task that is important
Carrier - 2 x FJ get airborne, 20 min transit, 0140 on task, Tanker gets airborne, RV with tanker and refuel, 20 min transit, 0140 on task, 20 min transit, RV with tanker, 20 min transit etc PLUS the crews can fly 2 sorties a day within their 12 hour crew duty if required. Twice the sortie rate for the same number of crews -
More time on task for carrier based ops, without wasting fuel in transit from 600 miles away - i get it.