Carriers in the Gulf: A Doctrine Based Assessment
Abstract
The performance of the aircraft carrier battle forces during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm is examined in the light of Navy doctrine. Most post-war evaluations of the effectiveness of land based versus carrier based air forces have centered on statistical comparisons. A better measure of carrier battle force performance is to determine if naval air forces fulfilled those missions for which Navy doctrine says they have major capability. A framework for examining performance in doctrinal missions is developed and carrier based air performance is examined by warfare area. While there were successes in strike warfare and anti-surface warfare, several warfare areas were not tested, and significant deficiencies exist in command, communications and control. CINCs who plan on the employment of naval forces must be aware that although Desert Shield/Desert Storm proved that carrier based air brings great flexibility to the theater, it is also subject to significant limitations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 19, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA253147
Entities
People
- H. D. Starling Ii
Organizations
- Naval War College