WEB
I agree with many of your points especially those on man-power (or lack of same) - the fact we can't crew what we already have is a disgrace and I doubt it'll get better
Let's be honest tho' - for years the T26's were touted as a "one for one replacement " for ALL the T23's - now it's only 8 - and do you really have any faith that the "one for one replacement of the rest by T31's" will happen??
I foresee another future slither and a smaller number being built while we turn out more enhanced Rivers for the lower threat tasks
Your mention of the use of an SSN attached to the Carrier Group also reminds us that this is an SSN diverted from a currrent task - we're not (more's the pity) building a couple more Astutes to cover that gap
The Carriers bring us a different set of capabilities but these are clearly going to be at the expense of certain capabilities we currently believe are core. It's really a bit of punt as to outcome of this change.