Sea power includes land-based air power. Make it so.
What was old is once again new. In an effort reminiscent of U.S. aerial attacks in the Pacific theater during World War II, the Air Force announced that an F-15E used a specially developed GBU-31 2,000lb Joint Direct Attack Munition, along with new tactics, on a moving ship.
However, unlike the SBD Dauntless or Helldivers of yesteryear, the F-15E isn’t designed for naval warfare. Nor, according to the Air Force, is the JDAM an “ideal” weapon for attacking ships.
It doesn't really matter if the F-15E wasn't designed for use against ships at sea. It can be equipped for that and the crews and ground support assets can be trained for it.
And unlike the old planes of World War II, the planes can fire missiles or gliding weapons from a safe distance as long as the target is acquired by something else like satellites or drones.
In related news, American B-52s flew into Guam for exercises:
On Tuesday, F-15 fighter jets from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force trained with the bombers over an undisclosed area of the Pacific, the Air Force said.
A day later, F-16s from Indonesia flew with the bombers, marking the first time its air force integrated with American B-52s.
Sea control is Air Force business. Have no doubt.
I suggest the Air Force get on adapting anti-ship missiles for its planes so the F-15E doesn't have to get close to attack
Using aircraft to attack ships isn't "thinking outside the box" at all. Although I think aircraft carriers are no longer ideal for the sea control mission, it's what air forces do when sea control is in doubt.
UPDATE: The Air Force in the Pacific AOR:
With the current force, a key path to unleash enhanced capabilities is being able to leverage airpower in enhance the capabilities of the air-maritime force, up to and including the role of the USCG.
The Air Force doesn't need to wait for the B-21 to contribute to the air-maritime force.
