Why an Iowa-class carrier conversion solves the wrong problem

Would converting an Iowa-class battleship with ski jumps and Harriers be worthwhile?

Only in an already troubled fleet without adequate carriers or amphibious aviation ships; otherwise it is an expensive way to duplicate roles better handled elsewhere.

The first question is what operational gap would justify removing part of an Iowa's after armament and rebuilding the ship around short-takeoff aircraft. If fleet carriers can supply air defense and LPH or LHD-type ships can support troops with Harriers, the conversion duplicates existing capabilities at enormous cost. A credible conversion must fill a mission that no better platform can perform.