At What Cost a Carrier?

In At What Cost a Carrier?, career naval flight officer Captain Henry J. Hendrix (Ph.D.), argues that the aircraft carrier -- the centerpiece of American naval operations for over 70 years -- is in danger of becoming too vulnerable to be relevant in future conflicts. Captain Hendrix examines the life-cycle costs and utility of the aircraft carrier and recommends a new approach for American naval operations in this report, the first in the new “Disruptive Defense Papers” series published by CNAS.

The Disruptive Defense Papers will present hard-hitting arguments dealing with controversial issues in U.S. defense policy at a time when hard choices must be made to ensure the health of U.S. Armed Forces and their ability to promote and defend America’s interests. The opinions in these papers are those of the authors, as CNAS does not take institutional positions.