I believe that was addressed in canon, the Vulcan scene in ST2009 notwithstanding. However, in Into Darkness, I recall an aside that the Enterprise would incine

I believe that was addressed in canon, the Vulcan scene in ST2009 notwithstanding. However, in Into Darkness, I recall an aside that the Enterprise would incinerate on reentry unless shields were restored, indicating utility beyond weaponry (that they did not, even though the pivotal moment was long after they were in blue sky, was a bit confusing).