Amphibious forces need enough local command of the sea and air to land and sustain themselves. Enemy aircraft can still penetrate that protection, as the Falklands example illustrates. For this scenario, the carrier group's operating area extends roughly 300 nautical miles in every direction, a diameter of about 600 nautical miles. The group need not dominate the entire North Atlantic to provide that local protection. Carrier air wings in 1980 contained more specialized aircraft types than their 2023 counterparts, including A-6 Intruders for long-range strike, F-14 Tomcats for fleet air defence, and S-3 Vikings for anti-submarine work. Their range and separate roles broaden the area and capabilities available to cover amphibious forces advancing behind the carriers.
Chapter · 1:45:46-1:50:05
Local sea and air command for carrier operations
An amphibious operation needs local sea and air command around the force, supported by the more varied carrier air wings of 1980.