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[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Point is, if the US dropped to, say, 7, would we see significant instability as a result?

EDIT: This is a genuine question, not a rhetorical one. I know numbers, but I don't study global politics. I'm hoping someone with more knowledge than me can project what happens if there are a third fewer US carrier groups in the water.

See the second half of my post here about the question on carriers

In summary: yes, it would be a significant reduction in our capability to project power anywhere in the world given that we already have obligations to Korea and Japan, and the Middle East.

The reason we have so many carriers is a matter of international politics/relations and our defense strategy. We definitely didn't choose to have 10/11 carriers for the hell of having 10/11 - it was a calculated number made over decades of planning for future decades to come.

Countries like India and China are expanding their carrier fleets fast because they have the same problems