[rlmorel]

Actually, since it is a littoral combat ship, I think the expected answer was that the Nimitz can’t. But heck, they can send a whole boatload of planes in and plaster those areas, but that isn’t what a ship like this is for.

I had the opportunity recently to go on a Oliver Hazard Perry class vessel, and it was interesting because it had been adapted to the role of littoral combat (to a degree)

I think the Navy does need vessels like these...

[exnavy]

I spent the entire year of 1980 in site of and within 50 miles of Iran and the Ike. Those carriers can get closer than you want them to.

By the way, we tried to get the admiral to let someone water ski behind the Ike, let's just say the old man was less than thrilled with the idea.