For two years, based on one of the most extensive cost-analysis efforts the Navy has ever undertaken, the study team evaluated more than 60 conceptual ship designs in terms of potential cost, operational benefit, and risk. A larger carrier translates into fewer ships required on station to do a job. The analysis showed that, even with optimum tanker availability, the nuclear-powered carrier allows the carrier battle group to arrive on scene, ready to fight, much earlier. Moreover, it can remain on station and continue to be effective as long as operational needs dictate. In a separate, independent analysis, Science Applications International Corporation considered the uncertainty in oil supplies.
Fuel supplies remain attractive, high priority targets.
Hostile oil-producing nations may be able to deny, or at least frustrate, resupply. There is no reason to expose carrier propulsion to these risks. Nuclear power results in a safer, more damage-resistant ship. It needs neither air intakes nor exhausts. The nuclear- powered ship can make full power while sealed from atomic, biological, or chemical attack.