Instant Alert: 41 pictures that show why a US aircraft carrier is such a dominant force

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   41 pictures that show why a US aircraft carrier is such a dominant force by Business Insider on Oct 27, 2016, 4:30 PM Advertisement Aircraft carriers are the heart of the US Navy. The deck of a carrier is literally a few acres of American territory floating around the world, projecting massive air and seagoing military might. Carriers are expensive, with new Ford-class ships running about $13 billion, but they last about 50 years. Business Insider's Robert Johnson visited the USS Eisenhower during a massive mine clearing effort in the Persian Gulf a few years ago. The Ike, which finished two years worth of maintenance in August, is the second-oldest US carrier still in service. But as you'll see, her age takes nothing from her powerful presence near foreign soil. This post is originally by Robert Johnson. SEE ALSO: The 11 most incredible weapon systems used by the Russian army The USS Eisenhower was first deployed in 1975 and is not slated for replacement until around 2025. The US Navy currently has 10 commissioned carriers, some of which can carry upwards of 90 aircraft. Thousands of men and women serve on aircraft carriers, with 5,000 pilots, sailors, and Marines serving on the Ike at any one time. We took this picture from "Vultures Row," overlooking the flight deck as it sends F/A-18s on patrol over the Persian Gulf. See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network:    Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011