How strategically important were escort carriers, and could they operate as light strike carriers?
Short answerThey were vital for convoy air cover and could form effective local strike groups when several operated together.
NotesEscort carriers were flexible ships rather than miniature fleet carriers with only one task. A single ship could provide the limited air cover needed to protect a convoy, while several operating together could form a useful strike group. Their aircraft could attack submarines, shipping, or land targets without diverting a scarce fleet carrier. The ships' importance came from delivering adequate local air power in places where the larger carrier was unnecessary or unavailable.