Q&A · 30:22-33:51

Sea Control Ship and the CVV carrier proposal

The Sea Control Ship offered a minimum naval-aviation capability, while the medium CVV proposal aimed to supplement nuclear carriers and preserve both ship numbers and an alternative building yard.

Question

What roles were proposed for the Sea Control Ship and the medium CVV carrier?

Short answer

The Sea Control Ship offered a minimum aviation-support capability. The CVV could supplement nuclear carriers, sustain an alternative building yard, and provide conventional ships suitable for reserve service.

Notes

The Sea Control Ship was intended to provide the minimum naval aviation needed to support an operation, close to a cruiser-carrier role. The medium CVV was proposed as a complement to the nuclear carrier fleet. Building it in another yard could preserve an alternative source of carriers and help sustain roughly sixteen hulls instead of eleven or twelve. Although nuclear variants were considered, conventional versions could be placed in reserve and activated when required. Oil was considered the likely fuel choice because the catapults needed steam.