Key Points and Summary – While China’s first-ever dual-carrier naval exercise in the Western Pacific marks a significant milestone in its military modernization, it pales in comparison to the capabilities of the U.S. Navy.
-The Chinese carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, are smaller, conventionally powered, and use less efficient ski-jump launch systems, carrying a combined air wing smaller than a single US Ford-class or Nimitz-class carrier.
-In contrast, the concurrent operation of the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS George H.W. Bush in the Atlantic was a routine training exercise, highlighting the US Navy’s decades of experience and overwhelming superiority in carrier operations.
China’s Two Aircraft Carriers vs. America’s One: A Deep Dive
Recent news of two United States Navy aircraft carriers operating together in the Atlantic Ocean was portrayed as a tit-for-tat after China operated two carriers in the Western Pacific for the first time.
For China, this was a first, but hardly the first time that they have rattled their saber in the Philippine Sea.
However, for the two US carriers, the Gerald R. Ford and the George H.W. Bush, operating side by side on June 27, wasn’t as rare as it was portrayed. But currently, only the US can do this.
China’s Smaller Carriers Rendezvous For a First Joint Deployment
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier CNS Shandong, accompanied by the cruiser CNS Zunyi, frigates CNS Yuncheng and CNS Hengshui, and the fleet oiler CNS Chaganhu, was spotted sailing southeast of Miyako Island, according to Japan’s Joint Staff Office.
Fighter jets and helicopters were seen taking off and landing on the carrier.
The carrier’s operations coincide with the deployment of the CNS Liaoning strike group, which includes the cruiser Nanchang, destroyer Qiqihar, and a supply ship, in the Philippine Sea.
Both carriers are of the smaller ramped variety, each carrying 24 J-15 fourth-generation fighters. In contrast, the USS George Washington (CVN-73) carries 90 fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft.
The Washington had left its home port of Yokosuka, Japan, about the same time as the Chinese carriers exercise, for a joint US-Japanese exercise off the coast of Kyushu.
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated that Japan has communicated with China through diplomatic channels to ensure security and prevent potential threats.
“We intend to continue to make information from surveillance and monitoring activities public in a timely and appropriate manner, and to demonstrate that Japan is conducting thorough information gathering and surveillance, thereby demonstrating Japan’s will and ability to deter unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or other such actions,” Nakatani said.
How Often Do US Carriers Deploy Together?
While US aircraft carriers rarely deploy together as part of a routine deployment cycle, they often operate in close proximity or even form a combined force for specific missions or exercises. The typical deployment pattern, however, involves individual carriers or carrier strike groups operating independently.
The bombing of Iran last month was conducted by a joint force of Air Force aircraft and two US Navy carrier strike groups from the USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson. The combined air and naval assets are a strategy that the US has excelled in for 80+ years.
While the two carriers operating together aren’t standard operating procedure, the George H.W. Bush departed Naval Station Norfolk on June 10. While underway in the Atlantic, the aircraft carrier conducted “Tailored Ship’s Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem,” the Navy said, along with the USS Gerald Ford.
The training—referred to as TSTA/FEP—is designed to build crew operating proficiency and to enhance the ship’s ability to self-train, according to the Navy. It prepares the ship and crew for integration into a strike group through a wide range of mission-critical operations.
TSTA emphasizes damage control, medical, engineering, combat systems, and seamanship. The Integrated Training Team (ITT) coordinates and deconflicts training events involving multiple teams, including damage control, medical, and flight operations.
Is the Chinese Deployment a Worrying Sign?
The Chinese pair of ramped carriers, while capable of power projection, falls short of the level of the US carrier strike groups. Combined, the two only have as many fixed-wing aircraft as one American carrier.
One of them is a Russian-built carrier, a modified Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier, notorious for its frequent breakdowns. The second was China’s first aircraft carrier. The new carrier, CNS Fujian, is their first carrier with three electromagnetic catapults (EM catapults) and an angled landing area with arresting gear.
However, the Chinese carriers still use standard steam propulsion, which will complicate their use in long deployments due to the need for refueling. And their three carriers are well behind the US’s eleven super carriers, despite China having more ships in its Navy than the US.
The PLAN (China’s Navy) is just learning about conducting constant air operations for a carrier strike group. It will take time to know that. It is a natural progression, but they still have a long way to go.
The US has made this look easy for decades. China has yet to master having 24-hour, around-the-clock air ops that are necessary for combined carrier operations.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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