Carrier presence is part of deterrence as well as combat capability. Carrier groups can stop some conflicts from starting because opponents factor their likely involvement into decisions. Visible force does not work every time, and overly aggressive signaling can itself worsen a crisis. The economic comparison is still stark: maintaining a credible navy can be cheaper than fighting the war that its absence invites.
Notable Point · 41:53-44:40
Carrier groups as visible deterrent force
A strategic aside explains why a carrier group can matter before combat by making intervention and escalation visibly plausible.