In narrow water ways, there is no "well offshore." Our warships will be threading their way civilian shipping, including trading, fishing and pleasure vessels of all kinds, a lot off it making short trips along the Gulf coast, or across it. If the Navy knows in advance when, and where,the Iranians will attack, I don't doubt that our aircraft and helicopters could easily destroy Iranian fast boats by the hundred. But I also think it is preposterous to think that the lack of guns on our warships isn't a big deal, because we have enough helicopters to give all of our warships 360° protection, 24-7.
all they need is one. There is no defense against a swarm attack of a few dozen smaller craft and probably a few dozen missiles launched at the same time. If we know this, they know this. Imagine what losing a carrier would do to our Navy. A Navy already tasked with reducing forces.
It will only take one hit for Obama to withdraw from the region. He’s just looking for an excuse to make gas $10 gallon so his Voltswagon will finally sell.
One of my buddies is a Captain in the USNR. I’ll see what he thinks.