eli5: Why does the US Military have airplanes in multiple branches (Navy, Marines etc) as opposed to having all flight operations handled by the Air Force exclusively?
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Basically, it is a combination of different roles for different branches with a lot of overlap in between. As a general rule, if you need to level a country, you call in the U.S. air force with their large strategic bomber fleet, escorted by long range fighters and supported by refueling tankers.
If you need to move lots of men and combat equipment and vehicles and supplies quickly and without worrying about the cost, then you call in the airforce fleet of heavy cargo aircraft supported by the army’s fleet of smaller transport planes and helicopters to get those men/supplies/equipment where the larger planes can’t go.
If you need to launch a strike mission far away from an Allied air base and too far away to practically refuel your aircraft enroute, then you call up the Navy and ask where is the nearest aircraft carrier. The planes on the carrier can perform all of the major roles the airforce can, but in a much more mobile package and on a smaller scale.
If you need to transport a large amount of men/equipment/supplies but aren’t in the biggest hurry to get them there, and are worried about the budget, then you use navy/army ships rather than aircraft. But, if you want those supplies defended as they transit hostile waters, then having the airpower a carrier provides is the best means of doing so.
Lastly, to the marines and army, and navy, if you need to land a ton of troops, supplies, equipment on say… a fortified island/coastline, then having a carrier air wing along with a couple amphibious landing ships and their marine expeditionary fighter wing, and their supporting attack helicopters to soften up the beach head and provide close air support and rapid troop deployment… well, hopefully you’ll start to get the idea.
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