The Royal Navy’s QE Air Craft Carriers: Challenging the US Carrier Dominance

There are persistent rumors suggesting that the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth (QE) class aircraft carriers might replace US carriers in some strike groups. This raises the question of how these carrier groups will be organized in terms of their chain of command, particularly when American ships are involved.

US Ships in Charge

Typically, the American ships or the carrier will be in charge if they are part of the group. Even if the QE-class carriers are present, it is common for American ships to hold command. For example, if the Americans have a rubber dinghy in the group, they will insist on being in charge. This is not a mere metaphor; it refers to the de facto command structure in multinational naval operations.

The Carrier as the Flagship

The carrier, whether American or British, is always the flagship of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) for a number of reasons. It serves as the central defense and the primary source of offensive operations for the fleet. Supporting ships are usually there to provide logistical support and protect the carrier at any cost. Even if the entire fleet belongs to the American Navy, the British carrier would still have command due to its crucial role.

There are occasions where a British carrier might come under American command, but these are rare. This would only happen if multiple carrier fleets were involved in the same operation, such as a high-risk scenario that goes beyond purely exercises.

Operational Capabilities

The likelihood of an RN strike group replacing a USN one is high, given the unique operational capabilities offered by the QE-class carriers. However, the scenario of a USN CSG with an RN carrier as its centerpiece is less likely. The US values its status as the world’s leading military superpower, and they would ask for foreign assistance in such a critical operation only when necessary.

Questions that need to be answered before the US would consider such an arrangement include:

Are we short of aircraft carriers?
As of now, the US Navy operates 10 Nimitz-class and 1 Ford-class carriers, with the 2nd USS John F. Kennedy currently in the process of fitting out. This significant fleet ensures they are not short of aircraft carriers. Does the deployment require the capability to launch and recover aircraft with equal range and weapons load to that provided by our carriers?
The STOVL-configured QE carriers offer substantial strike capability and mission flexibility, but the USN’s catapult-equipped carriers can launch and recover aircraft with greater range and weapons options. An RN carrier might be sufficient but not the ideal option.

Geopolitical Changes

Geopolitical landscapes are constantly shifting, and President Trump, who was in office as of 26/10/2020, has emphasized the importance of allies playing a more significant role. The UK, with historic ties to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, offers a valuable opportunity for US allies to perform some of the heavy lifting for the first time in almost 50 years. France's Charles de Gaulle, despite being a capable option, offers limited availability and is significantly less advanced in terms of operational readiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the likelihood of a British carrier leading a US carrier strike group is low, there are scenarios where an RN-centric carrier group could be commanded by an RN flag officer, especially within NATO operations. The command structure will largely depend on the specific circumstances and geopolitical factors at play.