American fleet carriers remain in service for so long that replacement construction proceeds at a low rate. In this interpretation, that tempo has narrowed the industrial base to a single source for the ships. Dependence on one supplier creates complications even when the resulting carriers are highly capable. Operating LHDs and LHAs also gives the US Navy experience of other aviation ships and broadens its understanding of naval operations.
Notable Point · 1:07:32-1:08:20
Slow carrier construction narrows the industrial base
Very long service lives reduce build frequency, leaving the United States dependent on a single carrier supplier and fewer alternative production paths.