I am having an argument with a friend and I need an expert to sort it out for me. I believe that in order to carry out flight operations an aircraft carrier has to be cruising at a minimum speed, Is this true, if it is true, what sort of speed would that be and could you also mention in your reply what your qualification is or how you know the answer so I can really end the debate with my buddy once and for all.

Thanks very much for your time

Neil (Scotland)

Yes, they must be steaming at a minimum speed to give a headwind to the aircraft.

"To make takeoff a little easier, carriers can get additional airflow over the flight deck by speeding through the ocean, into the wind, in the direction of takeoff. This air moving over the wings lowers the plane's minimum takeoff speed."

http://www.howstuffworks.com/aircraft-carrier.htm