In order to strike effectively, there shall be enough number of vessels with large capability. However, once the number of vessels are considered, we cannot foresee any effective stike coming omn Syria.
The USS John C. Stennis is training in the Pacific Ocean and the USS Theodore Roosevelt is conducting a port visit in Manila, Philippines. The USS Harry S. Truman, which left April 11 from its home port in Norfolk, Virginia, cannot realistically be in position to participate in a Syrian strike for an additional four or five days. The present force structure implies that any U.S. response will remain a punitive strike with a limited range of targets.
Also there are signs that France is against any targets other than Syrian government. US and UK consider to target any strikes on assets which are considered helping such chemical attack. Thus meaning Russian assets around Latakia. Even, US Congress consider that such attack needs Congress endorsement.
Although a military strike seems imminent, the extent of any strike seems limited with the resources available at site.
However things might change if Russia will stop any missiles with S400-S300 defence system. If this happens, air carrier will be useful.
