Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:48:53-3:50:10

CVA-58 and the US Navy's place in nuclear strategy

CVA-58's proposed strategic bombers would combine long reach with a mobile launch base and give the Navy a role in nuclear planning.

Aircraft CarriersInterservice RivalryNuclear StrategyUS Air ForceUS NavyUSS United States (CVA-58)
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Question

Was CVA-58 designed to protect the US Navy's nuclear role from the newly independent Air Force?

Short answer

Not simply, but its mobile strategic bombers would give the Navy an independent nuclear mission and greater influence in national planning.

Notes

CVA-58 would have given the US Navy independent strategic reach from a mobile carrier. Strategic bombers at sea would force the Soviet Union to account for a launch position that could move. The ship's location would be less predictable than a fixed base, while the aircraft retained their own long range and strike power. That capability would also give the Navy a place in nuclear planning. Those advantages extend the explanation beyond a direct reaction to the newly independent Air Force.