A big part of the USA's fondness for carriers is the ability to project political strength around the World. Its often described as four and a half acres of US

A big part of the USA's fondness for carriers is the ability to project political strength around the World. Its often described as four and a half acres of US sovereignty, ninety thousand tons of diplomacy. In other words, to project intent and avoid conflict. They also make fantastic (if expensive) disaster relief platforms.