Fleet Problem Twelve tests whether aviation can defend the Pacific approach to the Panama Canal against an attacking force with few air assets. Blue Force aircraft locate the enemy and keep it under repeated attack, demonstrating reconnaissance and harassment value. The attackers nevertheless complete their landings and continue operations while being bombed. The result keeps air power from becoming a magic substitute for surface and ground defense. It also gives the Navy a controlled case for distinguishing successful air activity from successful defense of the operational objective.
Notable Point · 1:18:04-1:18:47
Fleet Problem Twelve exposes air power's landing-defense limit
Defending aircraft find and repeatedly attack an amphibious force in Fleet Problem Twelve, yet the attackers still complete their landings.