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The carrier battle group (CVBG or CARBATGRU) or carrier strike group (CVSG) is a fleet of ships in support of an aircraft carrier. They are primarily used by the United States Navy which has 13 carrier battle groups scattered across the world. Their existence is an important part of the power projection capability of the United States in that they provide the ability to strike quickly almost anywhere in the world.The large number of CVBGs used by the United States reflects in part a division of labor during the Cold War, in which the United States assumed primary responsibility for blue water operations and for safeguarding supply lines between the United States and Europe, while the NATO allies assumed responsibility for brown water and green water operations.
The need for a battle group is due to the fact that while the aircraft carrier has the ability to project a large amount of air power, it is vulnerable to attack from other surface ships and submarines. One way of looking at the CVBG is that the carrier performs the mission assigned to it while the primary role of the other ships is to protect the carrier.
CVBGs have no definitive specification and are formed and dissolved on an as-needed basis, and one may be different from another. However, they all are comprised of similar types of ships, and a typical carrier battle group might have:
- a carrier, usually Nimitz-class — The carrier provides a wide range of options to the U.S. government, ranging from simply showing the flag, to attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets. Because carriers operate in international waters, their aircraft do not need to secure landing rights on foreign soil. These ships also engage in sustained operations in support of other forces.
- two guided missile cruisers, usually Ticonderoga-class — multi-mission surface combatants. Equipped with Tomahawk missiles for long-range strike capability.
- a guided missile destroyer, usually Arleigh BurkeUSS Lassen (DDG-82), an Arleigh Burke class destroyer. The Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers are built around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar. The first ship was commissioned on 4 July 1991. The Arle-class — multi-mission surface combatant, used primarily for anti-air warfare (AAW)
- a destroyerThis article treats on the type of ship. For other things called destroyer , see Destroyer (disambiguation). USS Lassen (DDG-82), an Arleigh Burke class destroyer In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast and maneuverable yet long-endurance warship inte, usually SpruanceThe Spruance class destroyer developed as replacements for the large number of World War II built Allen M. Sumner and Gearing class destroyers, was the primary destroyer built for the US Navy during the 1970s. The class was originally designed for antisub-class — primarily for anti-submarine warfareAnti-submarine warfare is a term referring to warfare directed against submarines. This involves the use of submarines, aircraft, and surface ships (commonly destroyers), to locate, track, and then either damage or destroy submarines, port facilities, pro (ASW)
- a frigateSailing frigates were 4th, 5th, or 6th-rated ships in the rating system of the Royal Navy. In modern military terminology, a frigate is a warship intended to protect other warships and merchant marine ships and as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) combatants f, usually Oliver Hazard PerryThe Oliver Hazard Perry class of frigates were designed by the U. Navy in the 1970s as general-purpose escort vessels capable enough to do most jobs adequately, yet cheap enough to be bought in large quantities. They replaced upgraded yet aging World War-class — primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- two attack submarineUSS Los Angeles (SSN-688)|USS Los Angeles A submarine is a specialized boat that travels under water, usually for military or scientific purposes. Most major navies of the world employ submarines. Submarines are also used for marine and freshwater sciences, usually Los AngelesThe ''Los Angeles class attack submarines ( SSN) were the most numerous class of nuclear powered submarines built by any nation, and formed the bulk of the U. attack submarine force well into the 21st century. They were preceded by the Sturgeon class and-class — in a direct support role seeking out and destroying hostile surface ships and submarines
- a combined ammunition, oiler, and supply ship , usually Sacramento- or Supply-class — provides logistic support enabling the Navy's forward presence: on station, ready to respond
The Carrier Battle Group (CVBG) could be employed in a variety of roles, most of which would involve the gaining and maintenance of sea control:
- Protection of economic and/or military shipping.
- Protection of a Marine amphibious force while enroute to, and upon arrival in, an amphibious objective area.
- Establishing air superiority or supremacy in an area in combination with land-based aircraft.
- Establishing a naval presence in support of national interests.
The CVBG was first used in World War II, primarily in conflicts between the United States and Japan in the Pacific. CVBGs at the time consisted of a far larger number of ships than current CVBGs, and this marked the only time CVBGs have fought each other, notably at the Battle of Midway.
During the Cold War, the main role of the CVBG in case of conflict with the Soviet Union would have been to protect Atlantic supply routes between the United States and Europe. Because the Soviet Union lacked its own carriers, a situation of duelling aircraft carriers would have been unlikely. The main scenario of interest would have been an attack against a CVBG using large number of anti-ship cruise missiles. The attempted use of anti-ship missiles against a carrier group was part of Argentina's efforts against Britain in the Falklands War.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, most of the uses of CVBGs by United States have been in situations in which their use has been uncontested. The main scenario involving carriers coming under fire which is of interest to naval strategists has been a conflict between the United States and the People's Republic of China over Taiwan. There is a consensus among observers that most of the military effort expended by the People's Liberation Army since the 1990s has been to at least complicate the deployment of a CVBG in a Taiwan straits conflict .
There is debate in naval warfare circles as to the viability of carrier battle groups in 21st century naval warfare. Proponents of the CVBG argue that it provides unmatched fire power and force projection capabilities. Opponents argue that CVBGs are increasingly vulnerable to cruise missiles and arsenal ships, were designed for Cold War scenarios, and are less useful in establishing control of areas close to shore.
U.S. Navy aircraft carriers
