Yes, I agree with you. New stand off offensive weapons systems makes the building and dependence upon aircraft carriers as a strike force against first class foes who the systems a risky, potentially fatal for many sailors, business.

But as you suggest the powerful appearance of an aircraft battle group still gives the Admirals a thrill. And as symbols of gunboat diplomacy I suppose can still send a message to third world and second rate opponents.

The problem these days is that with the transfer of weapons technology from first rate developers of weapons systems to their clients one can’t always be sure what you may come up against.