THE WAR AGAINST ISIS IS NOT A LEGISLATED WAR BUT AN EXECUTIVE ORDER THE LEFTIST POTUS BHO USES–REFERING TO THE LEGISLATED CONGRESSIONAL WAR ON TERROR INACTED BY THE POTUS GWB–AS THE LIBERAL COASTS THE WAR WITH BOTH HANDS TIED BEHIND THE BACK AS THE NAVY FIGHTS A WAR WITH BUDGET CUTS AND THE DEMOCRAT JUMPS FOR JOY WHILST PUTTING OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN HARMS WAY WITH THE MINIMAL TOOL SET POSSIBLE AS THE WAR AGAINST IS IS PLAYED IN THE BACKGROUND TO THE LIKES OF THE DEMOCRAT AND THE LIBERAL MSM

A rare gap in the presence of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf this fall could hinder military capabilities in the war against the Islamic State, the Obama administration's nominee to lead the Navy told the Senate Thursday.

Adm. John Richardson conceded the effects of a two-month gap in carrier presence -- the first since 2007 -- under intense questioning from Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as the Senate Armed Services Committee weighs whether approve the admiral's nomination as chief of naval operations.

"Without that carrier, that will be a detriment to our capability, yes, sir," Richardson said.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently deployed to the region and has been launching strikes against targets in Iraq and Syria as the U.S. and coalition forces struggle to make headway in the year-old war against the Islamist hardliners there.

In addition, U.S. officials say the recent agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange of sanction relief hasn't alleviated concerns about Iranian power in the Middle East. Arab countries in the Gulf are concerned Iran will use additional funding to support terrorism within the region.

Still, the Navy is shouldering budget cuts and a limited number of ships. The Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended the gap in carrier operations, the current Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert told Stars and Stripes in a recent interview.

Richardson told the Senate that the military would work to mitigate the gap left by a carrier by using land-based aircraft, but did not elaborate.

The U.S. and Turkey announced expanded coordination this month on the war in Iraq and Syria that includes Turkish permission for the U.S. to use its air base at Incirlik for bombing runs. The move could be a significant breakthrough in the war effort, giving the U.S. closer access to Islamic State targets in northern Syria and Iraq.

But carriers have given key support to the current air campaign, the previous Iraq war and stability in the region.

Roosevelt-based aircraft fly about one-third of the aircraft sorties supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, according to the Navy. Last fall, President Barack Obama ordered the USS George H.W. Bush on station in the Persian Gulf to respond to the Islamic State's advance in Iraq.

The Roosevelt carrier strike group was also recently dispatched to Yemen as that country devolved into violence.

"So, now you believe that land-based air can replace the presence of a carrier?" McCain asked.

Others remain skeptical about taking a carrier out of the Middle East.

"It reduces the president's options," said Bryan McGrath, former naval officer who now runs the consulting firm FerryBridge Group. "Aircraft carriers are so powerful because we can relatively quickly move it in position where we need it and use it without anyone's permission."

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/07/31/admiral-says-carrier-gap-in-persian-gulf-hinders-war-effort.html