Political deployment, naval operation

Aircraft carriers have been capital ships in political status from the beginning because their presence communicates reach, utility, and intent. Sending a carrier battle group into a region can reassure an ally, pressure an opponent, or signal that strikes are possible. Civilian leaders therefore decide whether the ship enters an area and whether its aircraft may attack particular targets. Naval commanders decide how escorts are disposed, how aircraft provide air defence, and how the group operates safely. The distinction explains why carrier employment cannot be understood solely through ship performance or naval doctrine.