But where is that carrier exactly?
Stark had a headache, but getting anxious now was of no use.
The first round of attacks was over, with significant losses. Of the 24 F-14Bs involved, only 11 returned. By comparison, the losses to attack aircraft were even more severe; out of 72 A-6Ds, only 22 returned, with 6 of those heavily damaged.
Though several dozen F/A-18s are available, considering the F/A-18's operational radius is less than 1000 kilometers with anti-ship missiles, and the distance to the 61st Special Mixed Fleet is nearly 1500 kilometers, the 51st Special Mixed Fleet has effectively lost its attack capability.
But this is not the most severe issue Stark is facing.
The significant losses of F-14Bs in their escort missions mean that the 51st Special Mixed Fleet doesn't have enough fighters available for the next battle.
Clearly, when planning, no one anticipated such heavy losses.
