Reach
Air power is the key. Without carriers as bases supporting friendly ground forces, interdicting enemy movement, delivering all kinds of support and intel would require land bases in the area.
The build up to both Iraq wars, Afghanistan, and Bosnia conflicts took time while bases to operate from were negotiated. Those efforts would have taken longer if carriers were not available to fully support ground forces and threaten enemy (and would-be enemies) from interfering.
Carriers are mobile air bases that exist to support and defend other units. They can provide air cover from a distance to prevent enemy air power from attacking friendly assets. They remain out of range to those air threats.
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