Most of the carrier’s sensor and processing suite supports aircraft rather than turning the hull into a self-contained surface combatant. That choice reflects an original assumption that capable escorts would always be present. Sea Sparrow, Rolling Airframe Missile, Phalanx, smaller guns, electronic warfare, and armor protect the final approaches, but they sit within the deeper defensive system supplied by the air wing and escorting warships. Kevlar over vital spaces and an air group of roughly 85 to 90 aircraft reinforce the combination of damage tolerance, aviation power, and layered escort protection.
Notable Point · 48:17-52:11
An aviation-first ship depends on escort depth
The ship’s sensors prioritize air operations, while Sea Sparrow, RAM, Phalanx, escorts, and the air wing form successive defensive layers.