Carrier task forces combine scouting, reach, and gunpower

Carrier aircraft supplied reconnaissance and long reach, while a fast capital ship supplied the heavy blow and security against surface attack. Cruisers and destroyers protected the carrier when the striking group detached, making the formation's aggregate capability more important than any single hull. The planned smaller cruiser-carrier role later appeared in escort carriers, but those ships were not yet available when Courageous was assigned anti-submarine work. Sending Glorious away without the heavier force intended to protect carriers violated this doctrine. Later forces such as Force H combined fast carrier, capital ship, cruiser, and destroyer capabilities so each component covered weaknesses the others could not solve alone.