Q&A · 2:40:00-2:40:16

A mixed conventional and nuclear carrier fleet

Retaining conventional carriers could help preserve carrier numbers, subject to funding.

Aircraft Carriers Naval Budgets Nuclear Propulsion US Navy

Question

Would the US Navy benefit from two conventional carriers for every nuclear carrier?

Short answer

Retaining some conventional carriers could help, but budget constraints remain. The precise two-to-one ratio is not endorsed.

Notes

Retaining some conventional carriers alongside nuclear carriers could have helped the US Navy preserve its carrier force. The proposed two-to-one ratio remains unassessed. Keeping those ships in service would still have faced a budget obstacle.