[dragoon500ly]

As of the start of the Twilight War (1996), the United States Navy was currently deployed as follows:

(included are ships that are laid down, the assumption being that the shipyards would have moved into 2-3 shifts trying to get as many ships completed as possible, the “normal“ launch date of the ship is included)

Source material is the “13th, 14th and 15th Editions of the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet” and “Combat Fleets of the World: 1993”.

At the start of the Twilight War, the USN had 14 operational carriers: seven nuclear-powered (CVN) and seven conventional-powered (CV). One additional CV was undergoing a long-term modernization under the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), and two more CVNs (Lincoln and Washington) were under construction. Another CVN (Enterprise) is scheduled to undergo major modernnization (not the more extensive SLEP) and refueling in 1991-1993. One CV (Coral Sea) is scheduled for decommissioning

The Secretary of Defense has requested funding for two additional Nimitz-class CVNs for the 1998 and 2002 shipbuilding programs. These ships, when completed will replace two of the earlier Forrestal-class carriers, which will enter the Reserve Fleet.

Under current operating practice, two carriers and normally deployed to the Mediterranean with Sixth Fleet and two are deployed in the Western Pacific-Indian Ocean with Seventh Fleet. The remaining carriers are in transit to or from deployment, engaged in fleet exercises or other types of training or are in overhaul. Normally, the carriers will spend six months on deployment and twelve months in transit/overhaul/local operations. During the decade of the 1980s, there have been several deviations form this normal pattern. Called FlexOps, carriers are withdrawn from their normal patterns and spend more time at sea in multi-carrier exercises or in support of special operations, examples include the fleet’s deployment off of Lebanon, the invasion of Grenada and its operations against Libya.

The training carrier Lexington normally operates in the Gulf of Mexico. She currently has no aircraft support facilities or other features that would permit her to operate in a combat role. Four other World War II-built carries of the Essex/Hancock-class are laid up in reserve. In 1981, the Reagan administration sought to reactivate the Oriskany or Bon Homme Richard to increase the deployable carrier force. After extensive review, the Congress refused to fund the ships due to their poor material condition, their limited remaining service life and the lack of suitable aircraft for them to operate.

Theodore Roosevelt-class
CVN-71 Theodore Roosevelt 25/10/1986 Atlantic Fleet
CVN-72 Abraham Lincoln 11/11/1989 Pacific Fleet
CVN-73 George Washington 04/07/1992 Atlantic Fleet
CVN-74 John C. Stennis 09/12/1995 Pacific Fleet
CVN-75 Harry S. Truman 25/07/1998 Atlantic Fleet (working-up)
CVN-76 Ronald Reagan 12/07/2003 Pacific Fleet (working-up)
Displacement: 96,836 tons fl
Speed: 33 kts
Dimensions (m): 332.85x40.85 (flight deck 78.33)x11.88
Air Group: 24 F-14A; 24 F/A-18C; 10 A-6E; 4 KA-6D; 4 EA-6B; 4 E-2C; 10 S-3A; 6 SH-60F
Armament: VIIIx2 Mk29 Sea Sparrow SAM; 4 Mk15 CIWS
Electronic Equipment:
Radar: 1xFuruno 900 nav; 1 SPS-64(V)9 nav; 1 SPS-67(V) surface; 1 SPS-48E 3D air; 1 SPS-49(V)5 air; 1 Mk23 TAS target design; 1 SPN-41 MW landing aid; 1 SPN-43A air-control; 1 SPN-44 MW landing aid; 2 SPN-46 CCA, 6 Mk95 missile FC; 4 Phalanx FC
EW: 1 SLQ-32(V)4 (not in CVN-71); VIx4 Mk36 SRBOC decoy; SLQ-25A Nixie towed torp decoy
TACAN: URN-25
Machinery: 2 GE A4W/A1G reactors; 4 sets geared turbines; 4 props; 280,000shp
Electric: 64,000-kw total from turbo alternators + 8,000-kw emergency power from 4 diesel sets
Crew: 3,408 + 2,878 air group + 70 flag staff
Notes: Designed to operate for 15 years between refueling (1,000,000 nautical miles steaming). Maximum full load displacement is 102,000 tons. Hanger deck has 7.8m clear height. Angled deck is 237.7m long and is fitted with 4 arrester wires (3 in CVN-72 and after) and a Mk7 Mod3. Barrier, as well as four C12 Mod 1 catapults. Fitted with four elevators
(21.3x1.58, 47-ton capacity). Aviation payload of 14,900 tons is carried (including 9,000 tons of fuel and 1,954 tons of ordnance). Kevlar armor is fitted over vital spaces and hull-protection arrangements improved over the Nimitz-class. Combat data systems include NTDS, ACDS, JDTS, POST and CVIC. Data links include Links 4A, 11 and 14. Satellite communications equipment include SSQ-82, SRR-1, WSC-3 (UHF), WSC-6(SHF) and USC-38(EHF). Sea Sparrow is supported by three Mk91 Mod 1 control systems, each with two directors. CVN-71 will be back fitted with SLQ-32(V)4 EW systems and all are to receive improved torpedo countermeasures systems. Other data as for Nimitz-class.

Nimitz-class
CVN-68 Nimitz 03/05/1975 Pacific Fleet
CVN-69 Dwight D. Eisenhower 18/10/1977 Atlantic Fleet
CVN-70 Carl Vinson 13/03/1982 Atlantic Fleet
Displacement: 93,900 tons fl
Speed: 33 kts
Dimensions (m): 327.0x40.84 (flight deck 77.11)x11.3
Air Group: 24 F-14A; 24 F/A-18C; 10 A-6E; 4 KA-6D; 4 EA-6B; 4 E-2C; 10 S-3A; 6 SH-3H or SH-60F
Armament: VIIIx3 Mk29 Sea Sparrow SAM; 3 Mk15 Phalanx CIWS (four in CVN-70)
Electronic Equipment:
Radar: 1 Furuno 900 nav; 1 SPS-64(V)9 nav; 1 SPS-67(V) surf; 1 Mk23 TAS target detection; 1 SPS-49(V)5 air; 1 SPS-48E 3D air; 1 SPN-41 MW landing aid; 1 SPN-43A marhsaling; 1 SPN-44 MW landing aid; 2 SPN-42 CCA; 6 Mk95 missile FC; 3 Phalanx FC
EW: SLQ-99; VIx4 Mk36 SRBOC decoy; SLQ-25A Nixie towed torp decoy
TACAN: URN-25
Machinery: 2 GE A4W/A1G reactors; 4 sets geared turbines; 4 props; 280,000shp
Electric: 64,000-kw total from turbo alternators + 8,000-kw emergency power from 4 diesel sets
Crew: 3,660 + 2,626 air group + 70 flag staff
Notes: Fitted with ASCAC for instant sharing of ASW data between carrier, ASW aircraft and escorts. Fitted with three Mk95 Mod1 missile control systems, each with two directors. Decks and hull are of extra-strong, high tensile steel to limit the impact of semi-armor-piercing bombs. In addition to longitudinal bulkheads, there are twenty-three watertight transverse bulkheads (more than 2,000 watertight compartments) and ten firewall bulkheads. Numerous foam devices for fire-fighting and the pumping equipment is excellent (capable of correcting a 15 degree list in 20 minutes). Thirty damage-control team are available at all times. These ships can withstand three times the damage survived by Essex-class carriers in 1944-45 and they can survive impacts and shock waves in the same proportion. The Nimitz-class carriers are being retrofitted with Kevlar armor over vital spaces. The nuclear cores are expected to last for 13 years of normal usage (800,000 nautical miles steaming). The evaporators produce 1,520 tons of fresh water per day. There are four side elevators (two forward, one aft of the island to starboard and one on the stern to port). There area also four C13 Mod1 catapults. Aviation ordnance magazines holds 1,964 tons; 9,000 tons of aviation fuel is carried and 4,046 tons of spare parts. The hanger has 7.8m of clear space, but can only store 35-40% of the air group. The angled flight deck is 237.7m long and has four Mk14 arrester wires and a crash barrier.

Enterprise-class
CVN-65 Enterprise 25/11/1961 Atlantic Fleet
Displacement: 93,970 tons fl
Speed: 33 kts
Dimensions (m): 335.75x40.54 (flight deck 78.4)x11.9
Air Group: 24 F-14A; 24 F/A-18C, 10 A-6E; 4 KA-6D; 4 EA-6B; 4 E-2C; 10 S-3A; 6 SH-60F
Armament: VIIIx3 Mk29 Sea Sparrow SAM; 3 Mark 15 Phalanx CIWS
Electronic Equipment:
Radar: Furuno 900 nav; 1 SPS-64(V)9 nav; 1 SPS-67 surf; 1 Mk23 TAS target detection; 1 SPS-48E 3D air; 1 SPS-49(V)5 air; 1 SPN-41 MW landing aid; 1 SPN-43A marshaling; 1 SPN-44 MW landing aid; 2 SPN-46 CCA; 6 Mk95 missile FC; 3 Phalanx FC
EW: SLQ-32(V4); VIx4 Mk36 SRBOC decoy; SLQ-25A Nixie towed torp decoy
TACAN: URN-25
Machinery: 8 Westinghouse A2W reactors; 4 sets geared turbines; 4 props; 280,000shp
Electric: 40,000-kw total from turbo alternators + 8,000-kw emergency power from 4 diesel sets
Crew: 3,215 + 2,480 air group + 70 flag staff
Notes: There are four C13 Mod1 catapults and four elevators (one on the port side of the angled deck, two forward of the island on the starboard side and one aft of the island on the starboard side). Elevators measure 26mx16m and can lift 45 tons. The hanger has 7.2m clear space. Carries 8,500 tons of aviation fuel. Mounts NTDS, ASCAC and TFCC. Has Link 4A, 11 and 14 fitted. Link 16 to be installed following her 1990 refit. Satellite communications equipment include SRR-1, WSC-3(UHF), WSC-6 (SHF) and USC-38(EHF). There are three Mk91 missile FC, each with 2 directors and 3 Phalanx FC.

John F. Kennedy-class
CV-67 John F. Kennedy 07/09/1968 Atlantic Fleet
Displacement: 80,940 tons fl
Speed: 32 kts
Dimensions (m): 320.34x39.17 (flight deck 81.38)x11.2
Air Group: 24 F-14A, 24 F/A-18C, 10 A-6E, 4 KA-6D, 4 EA-6B, 4 E-2C, 10 S-3A, 6 SH-3G or SH-60F
Armament: VIIIx3 Mk29 Sea Sparrow SAM; 3 Mark 15 Phalanx CIWS
Electronic Equipment:
Radar: 1 Fruno 900 nav; 1 SPS-46(V)9 nav; SPS-67 surf; 1 Mk23 TAS target designation; 1 SPS-49(V)5 air; 1 SPS-48C 3D air; 1 SPN-41 MW landing aid; 1 SPN-43A marshaling; 1 SPSn-44 MW landing aid; 2 SPN-46 CCA, 6 Mk95 missile FC, 3 phalanx FC
EW: SLQ-9; VIx4 Mk36 SBROC; SLQ-25A Nixie towed torp decoy
TACAN: URN-25
Machinery: 8 Foster-Wheeler boilers, 4 sets geared turbines, 4 props, 280,000shp
Electric: 17,000-kw total
Range: 4,000nm @30kts; 8,000nm @20kts
Crew: 2,930 + 2,279 air group + 70 flag staff
Notes: Distinguishing feature is her angled stack, which is angled outboard as on WWII-era Japanese carriers. Four elevators (two fwd of the island, starboard; one aft of the island starboard and one port). Automatic landing system allows all-weather operations. Four arrester wires and barrier on the angled deck.. Mounts 3 C13 and one C13 Mod1 catapults. Ordnance magazines holds 1,250 tons of ordnance. Carried 5,919 tons of aviation fuel. Equipped to carrier the SQS-23 sonar, but never fitted.

Kitty Hawk-class
CV-63 Kitty Hawk 29/04/1961 Pacific Fleet
CV-64 Constellation 27/10/1961 Atlantic Fleet
CV-66 America 23/01/1965 Atlantic Fleet
Displacement: 81,123 tons fl
Speed: 33 kts
Dimensions (m): 318.8x39.62 (flight deck 76.71) x 11.4
Air Group: 20 F-14A; 24 F/A-18C; 10 A-6E; 4 KA-6d, 4 EA-6B, 4 E-2C; 10 S-3A, 6 SH-3H or SH-60F
Armament: VIIIx3 Mk29 Sea Sparrow SAM, 3 Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS
Electronic Equipment:
Radar: 1 Furino 900 nav; 1 SPS-64(V)9 nav; SPS-67 surf; 1 Mk23 TAS target designation; 1 SPS-49(V)5 air; 1 SPS-48C 3D air; 1 SPN-41 MW landing aid; 1 SPN-43A marshaling; 2 SPN-46 CCA; 6 Mk95 missile FC, 3 Phalanx FC
EW: SLQ-29; VIx4 Mk36 SRBOC decoy; SLQ-25A Nixie towed torp decoy
TACAN: USN-25
Machinery: 8 Foster-Wheeler boilers; 4 sets geared turbines; 4 props; 280,000shp
Electric: 15,000-kw total (CV-66: 18,000kw total)
Range: 4,000nm @ 30kts; 8,000nm @ 20kts
Crew: 2,930 + 2,480 air group + 70 flag staff
Notes: These ships are a great improvement over the Forrestal-class, on which they are based, and have one significant difference: three elevators on the starboard side (two fwd and one aft of the island) and one to port., aft of the angled flight deck. Aircraft can be launched and catapulted simultaneously, a difficult operation on the earlier ships. Carry 5,882 tons of aviation fuel. Fitted with four C13 catapults (3 C13 and 1 C13 Mod1 on the America). Have three Mk91 Mod 1 missile control systems, each with two directors.

Forrestal-class
CV-59 Forrestal 01/10/1955 Atlantic Fleet
CV-60 Saratoga 04/04/1956 Atlantic Fleet
CV-61 Ranger 10/08/1957 Pacific Fleet
CV-62 Independence 10/01/1959 Pacific Fleet
Displacement: 80,643 tons fl
Speed: 33 kts
Dimensions (m): 326.1x39.6 (flight deck 82.3)x11.3
Air Group: 20 F-14A, 24 F/A-18C, 10 A-6E, 4 KA-6D, 4 EA-6B, 4 E-2C, 10 S-3A, 6 SH-3H or SH-60F
Armament: VIIIx3 Mk29 Sea Sparrow SAM, 3 Mk15 Phalanx CIWS
Electronic Equipment:
Radar: 1 Furino 900 nav; 1 SPS-64(V)9 nav; SPS-67 surf; 1 Mk23 TAS target designation; 1 SPS-49(V)5 air; 1 SPS-48C 3D air; 1 SPN-41 MW landing aid; 1 SPN-43A marshaling; 2 SPN-46 CCA; 6 Mk95 missile FC, 3 Phalanx FC
EW: SLQ-29; VIx4 Mk36 SRBOC decoy; SLQ-25A Nixie towed torp decoy
TACAN: USN-25
Machinery: 8 Babcock & Wilcox boilers; 4 sets geared steam turbines; 4 props; 280,000shp
Electrical: 15,000-kw total
Range: 4,000 nm @ 30kts; 8,000nm @ 20kts
Crew: 2,900 + 2,279 air group and 70 flag staff
Notes: Forrestal designated training carrier 4-2-91 to replace the striking Lexington. These ships have three rudders and four propellers. Deck protection and internal compartmentation are extensive (1,200 watertight compartments). Two longitudinal bulkheads with transverse bulkheads every 10 meters. Hanger has 7.6m clear space. Four side elevators. First carriers built with angled decks. Four cable arresting gear. Carries 5,880 tons aviation fuel. Saratoga and Ranger slatted for disposal 1992-1994.

Midway-class
CV-41 Midway 10/09/1945 Pacific Fleet (Reserve)
Displacement: 69,800 tons fl
Speed: 32kts
Dimensions (m): 306.78x55.78(42.98 wl)x10.67
Armament: removed
Electronic Equipment:
Radar: removed
EW: removed
TACAN: removed
Machinery: 8 Babcock & Wilcox boilers, 4 sets Westinghouse geared steam turbines; 4 props; 212,000shp
Electrical: 11,700-kw total
Range: 15,000 nm @ 15kts
Crew: 2,600 + 1,854 air group + 70 flag staff
Notes: Decommissioned 11/04/1992 and slatted for disposal. Entered service 10/09/1945 and extensively modified over her life span. In 1986 hull bulges were added to reduce her draft and hanger deck wetness. These bulges instead caused the ship’s roll period to increase to 9 seconds and increased flight deck wetness. Plans to remove the bulges were shelved due to the age of the ship and she was decommissioned unaltered. Fitted with three deck-edge elevators (two to starboard fwd/aft of the island and one to port aft the angled flight deck. Fitted with two C13 steam catapults and three arrester wires. Final armament fit was two Mk25 Sea Sparrow SAM launchers and two Mk15 CIWS. Final air group was 36 F/A-18, 18 A-6E, 4 EA-6B, 4 E-2C and 6 SH-3H.