Originally Posted by Justanopinion
Sortie rate is not irrelevant unless you are trying to ignore the usefulness of the carrier, how can it be when one carrier is providing one quarter of all missions. Time on task is important but not much use when you're Winchester. Anyone can spend hours over the target with a tanker, the carrier gives another string to the bow which we are worse off without
Storm off the coast, ship moves. Storm at Gioia, yours..
Sortie rate is only relevant here if you are trying to justify the number of take-offs you want/need to make. What is relevant is being able to bring effect onto the target within a reasonable timeframe. Yes, Winchester = not as useful (don't discount the usefulness of a Show of Force - you don't need weapns for that), but more sorties flown does not necessarily = more or better cover.
I (and most of the light blue on here) agree wholeheartedly with the last sentence of your first para (even the 2nd part
).