Access to allied and Commonwealth ports would still weigh against nuclear propulsion for a CVA-01 successor. A Falklands-style war demonstrating the importance of carriers is offered as one circumstance that might overcome that preference. Yet two or three CVA-01s with appropriate battle groups are also judged likely to deter Argentina from starting such a war. The counterfactual changes both the fleet and the experience that would influence its replacement.
Notable Point · 21:02-21:55
CVA-01, Falklands deterrence, and the case for nuclear propulsion
Two or three CVA-01 battle groups might deter the Falklands War, changing the wartime experience that could otherwise strengthen the case for a nuclear-powered successor.