ASW capability spans the whole formation. Carrier-borne Merlins, helicopters operating from destroyers and frigates, and towed-array frigates form a linked detection-and-attack system. The frigates' sensors cue offboard aircraft, while destroyers contribute by supporting embarked helicopters even if the hull lacks every ASW function itself. Counting frigate labels alone therefore understates the task group's anti-submarine strength.
Notable Point · 0:28-3:29
Task-group ASW depends on the whole formation
A carrier group's anti-submarine strength includes offboard helicopters, their host ships, and the frigates that cue them onto contacts.