Which of the following is a component of a Carrier Strike Group (CSG)?

• A. Frigate (FFG)
• B. Aircraft carrier (CVN)
• C. Hospital ship (T-AH)
• D. Patrol craft (PC)

Answer: (B)

A Carrier Strike Group is built around a single, mobile airbase at sea—the aircraft carrier. This ship carries a full air wing that provides the group with offensive air power, air defense, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine capability, enabling control of the battlespace and power projection far from land. The surrounding escorts—destroyers and cruisers—shields the carrier, offers additional air and surface defense, and helps with anti-submarine work. Other types, like a hospital ship, are support assets for medical needs and humanitarian missions, not the central combat platform of a CSG. Smaller craft such as patrol boats are not the primary combat backbone of the group. Therefore, the aircraft carrier is the essential component around which a Carrier Strike Group is organized.