Title: Aircraft Carrier (CV/CVN)
Action: A picture of an aircraft carrier is shown on the right. The following text is shown below it:
Aircraft carriers provide a wide range of possible response for the national leadership. The aircraft carrier continues to be the centerpiece of the forces necessary for forward presence. Carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in sustained operations in support of other forces. Aircraft carriers are deployed worldwide in support of U.S. interests and commitments. They can respond to global crises in ways ranging from peacetime presence to full-scale war. Together with their on-board air wings, the carriers have vital roles across the full spectrum of conflict. The current inventory includes 8 Nimitz class carriers, 2 Kitty Hawk class carriers, the USS John F Kennedy, and the USS Enterprise. The Enterprise and Nimitz class are nuclear powered and sport the CVN designation. Ship characteristics: Speed, 30+knots; crew consists of an Air Wing of 2480, a ship company of 3100-3400 (depending on class); Aircraft 85; Armament consists of Sea Sparrow surface to air missiles and a Phalanx 20mm close in weapons system.