It's also worth noting that carriers are essential for providing organic air cover, organic AEW&C, and long range surface strike and ISR as well, which are roles related to open seas power projection even if we do not consider land operations.
Carriers are arguably the best way of delivering munitions against a poorly defended enemy in a long duration low intensity conflict if one lacks friendly airbases, but carriers also have an invaluable role in higher intensity conflicts if used and defended properly, for the reasons stated above. Even in westpac, PLAN taskforces at first island chain and beyond cannot rely on land based air power to provide long range AEW&C and air cover defend itself from opposing air strikes.
Carriers are arguably the best way of delivering munitions against a poorly defended enemy in a long duration low intensity conflict if one lacks friendly airbases, but carriers also have an invaluable role in higher intensity conflicts if used and defended properly, for the reasons stated above. Even in westpac, PLAN taskforces at first island chain and beyond cannot rely on land based air power to provide long range AEW&C and air cover defend itself from opposing air strikes.
