Surely we can do better than a pair of over-priced carriers. Why not instead build a space-based force that could rain down on anyone and likely be out of reach of most countries? Treaties aside, how about something more modern than a carrier.
Because space-based weapons are banned by treaty and any saving would be eaten up by having to defend against other nations space-based system.
Because you can’t just nuke a little tin-pot dictator’s army.
Force projection, besides weapon delivery systems, includes making commerce safe and open, humanitarian aid, and a whole host of other things.