Why an Aircraft Carrier

 November 1976 when delivering the White Paper on Defence, the Minister for Defence, the Honourable D. J. Killen stated, inter alia, that: “Investigations have shown that the life of HMAS MELBOURNE can be extended to 1985 and that it can provide a cost­ effective contribution to a variety of our capabilities into the 1980s. “

This particular statement has drawn public attention to the capability currently provided by HMAS MELBOURNE and its aircraft. The question of how this capability could be replaced is a subject at­ tracting much discussion inside and outside defence circles.

The RAN has been structured around the tactical naval air power provided by an aircraft carrier since 1949. The validity of this concept of operations has been continually demonstrated in major maritime operations and exercises since then. Remove the carrier and naval tactical airpower and one removes the central structure around which has been built Australia’s maritime naval strategy.

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