Ok, what about putting an LCS-2 (Indy variant) in the CSG, and having that LCS be “plane guard special duty” if/when the 3x Sierras on the CVN are unavailable for plane guard duty? LCS-2 has a larger flight deck than an Arleigh Burke, if I’m not mistaken, and it’s a nice square shape. According to the vendor, the flight deck is theoretically big enough to accommodate a -53.
ref:
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/lcs-specs.htm
Bonus:
. Cheaper and smaller crew than DDG
. Can go off and “do LCS things” when not required for plane guard (cue engine trouble jokes)
. “Finally finds something useful” for LCSs to do besides counter-narco in C4F (?)