What is the primary mission of the U.S. Navy's carrier strike groups?

The primary mission of the U.S. Navy's carrier strike groups centers on projecting power and conducting naval aviation operations. This mission reflects the strategic role of aircraft carriers, which serve as floating air bases capable of launching and recovering a variety of aircraft. These strike groups enable the rapid deployment of airpower all over the globe, allowing the U.S. military to respond swiftly to international crises, deter aggression, and support ground operations through air support.

Carrier strike groups are designed to operate in high-threat environments and can conduct strike missions against targets ashore, engage in air-to-air combat, and provide support for naval and land forces. Their versatility is crucial to naval operations, allowing them to adapt to a wide range of missions, from conventional warfare to deterrence strategies.

Other options represent important functions within the Navy but do not encapsulate the primary mission of carrier strike groups. While reconnaissance missions are essential for gathering intelligence, they are just one of many capabilities within a carrier's broad operational scope. Anti-submarine warfare and humanitarian assistance are also critical but fall under specific operational aims rather than the overarching goal of power projection and air operations that define the essence of carrier strike groups.