Air Force Tankers for the Carrier Battle Group: Considerations for the Operational Commander
1992
Lewis, Donn M.
This paper presents the operational commander tasked with planning a maritime air campaign a means of dramatically improving the Carrier Battle Group's (CVBG) combat power. Current US military strategy requires the Navy to get the most out of its CVBG for its primary mission of power projection. This paper proposes the regular use of US Air Force (USAF) land-based tankers (LBTs). Today's USAF/Navy air refueling force, operations, and use in past maritime air campaigns is discussed. A proposed maritime strategy employing three possible CVBG offensive strike options with USAF LHTs is recommended. A concept for the Joint Force Commander tasked with planning a maritime air campaign is presented for a peacetime regional scenario. Within the process presented here, an operational commander will have the means to understand the limitations and capabilities of LBTs, their CVBG employment benefits, and Navy operational concerns.
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