[Esel Mann]

It will all depend on many factors. For example, but not limited to:

- Whether or not an adversary acquires the means to deny the carrier the ability to position itself at such a distance so as to permit it's aircraft to carry out their intended missions. If the carrier can't get close enough, what good would it then be for?

-Whether or not conflicts in the future permit time to allow a carrier to sail to the "hotspot". If the carrier can't get there fast enough, and the conflict is over or the damage is done, what good would it then be for?

-Whether or not another means to project force more efficiently, more cheaply, more quickly, and/or more securely becomes available. Naturally if it becomes possible to do the same job the carrier does but smaller, faster, cheaper, etc what good would it then be for?

So, how much longer will the carrier be useful, in it's current capacity/function? It would seem it's got 25 more years. Maybe.