Q&A · 3:25:08-3:26:50

How a US Navy Falklands task force would fight

US carriers, airborne early warning, F-14s, submarines, and helicopter assault ships would suppress Argentine aviation before a direct landing on Stanley.

Question

What would an American task force do if the US Navy replaced the Royal Navy in the Falklands War?

Short answer

It would use carrier airpower and AEW to dominate the air, sink or contain Belgrano, and likely land directly near Stanley.

Notes

The American task force would probably bring one or two fleet carriers and build a large air-defense envelope around AEW aircraft and F-14 Tomcats. That combination could intercept Argentine aircraft before they reached the amphibious force. Belgrano would likely be sunk by submarine or air attack while amphibious ships moved toward the islands. Unlike the British deception and overland advance, US doctrine and Argentine expectations both point toward a direct coup de main against Stanley.