The U.S. Navy's Medium Aircraft Carrier Nightmare

Summary and Key Points: The idea of building medium-sized aircraft carriers, explored during World War II and revisited in the 1970s, offered a more cost-effective and versatile alternative to supercarriers.

-However, these medium carriers, typically conventionally powered, faced limitations, including reduced aircraft capacity, shorter range, and lower sortie rates.

-The decision to prioritize supercarriers, especially during the Reagan administration, was driven by budget realities and a strategy of global power projection.