Do US super-carriers make sense any more? The BBC goes on board one

The USS Carl Vinson is a massive aircraft carrier that belongs to the United States Navy. It is one of the largest warships ever constructed, weighing nearly 90,000 tonnes and stretching over 300 meters in length. As we approached the Carl Vinson in an Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, the sight of the ship filled our view, with its deck bustling with advanced fighter jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35. The experience of watching these planes being launched into the sky every minute or so was thrilling, and the crew managed the busy deck with remarkable skill, even when a sudden rainstorm drenched us. Despite the rapid advancements in Chinese military technology, the United States remains unmatched in its ability to project military power globally, thanks to its fleet of 11 super-carriers. However, questions arise about the practicality of spending $13 billion on an aircraft carrier that could potentially be targeted and sunk by the latest Chinese missiles, especially in the context of Donald Trump's presidency. The USS Carl Vinson was participating in a joint exercise with two other aircraft carriers from Japan and France, which was significant as it marked the first time in over 40 years that a French carrier had joined a Pacific exercise. The US Navy frequently engages in training exercises with its allies to enhance cooperation and operational effectiveness. Last year, they conducted a large-scale exercise involving ships from 18 different navies. This particular exercise was smaller but still crucial for strengthening alliances. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet the commanders of the three participating nations. Rear Admiral Michael Wosje of the Carl Vinson, Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard of the French carrier Charles de Gaulle, and Rear Admiral Natsui Takashi of the Japanese carrier Kaga discussed the importance of collaboration in addressing shared security challenges. They emphasized that their strong alliances with countries like France and Japan are vital as they navigate complex global security issues. While they did not address the controversial policies emerging from Washington or the assertive stance of China, Admiral Natsui hinted at Japan's challenging security environment, stating that no country can ensure its own security alone. Below deck, in the living quarters of the 5,000 crew members, portraits of President Trump and Vice President Vance were already displayed. Although we were not allowed to interview the crew about politics, some expressed curiosity about my thoughts on the new administration. The crew has limited internet access but can still communicate with their families and even receive Amazon deliveries while at sea. The operational cost of the Carl Vinson is approximately $700 million annually, leading to speculation about whether the Trump administration will cut the Pentagon's budget. Some officials have suggested that there may be opportunities for increased efficiency within the military. The debate surrounding the relevance of aircraft carriers is not new; it dates back to their inception a century ago. Critics argue that modern carriers are vulnerable to advanced Chinese missiles, which could force them to operate at a distance that limits their aircraft's range. They advocate for investing in newer technologies instead. However, supporters contend that super-carriers, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers, can effectively defend themselves and remain difficult to sink. Reducing the size of these carriers to accommodate only helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft could make them even more susceptible to attacks. Notably, China also recognizes the significance of aircraft carriers, having constructed three of its own. As symbols of American prestige, these carriers may appeal to President Trump, who is known for his affinity for grand structures. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the Trump administration would prioritize increasing shipbuilding, although he did not specify how this would be accomplished. The US currently has only four naval shipyards, while China reportedly possesses over 200 times the shipbuilding capacity of the US. Hegseth also expressed a desire to strengthen defense cooperation with Japan and South Korea, suggesting that while Europe may face challenges, Asian allies will receive attention from the current administration as it addresses the strategic challenges posed by China. Three new Ford-class nuclear carriers, which represent the next generation after the Carl Vinson, are currently under construction, with plans to complete a total of ten. So far, there have been no indications that the Trump administration intends to alter this plan. Despite the ongoing debate and criticism, it appears that super-carriers like the USS Carl Vinson are likely to remain a significant part of the US Navy for the foreseeable future.