The latest Pyro news update says that the control scheme for the carrier is not as a helmsman. You go to the map and set waypoints for the fleet.
If multiple guys each set waypoints for the ship, the fleet listens to the guy with the higher rank (must be the new scoring/perk plane rank thingy).
Also, the first post about 1.05 by Pyro on the news board said "supply convoys" as well as carrier groups. Also Seaplane tenders and PT boat tenders. I'm guessing here, but logic tells me that these convoys are not for looks, but rather the mobile bases you can spawn PT boats, seaplanes (which is moot, since there is no seaplane...yet), and LVT aka Amtracks (amphibious tracked vehicles).
These supply convoys are the "army bases" of the water. Complete wiht a troop delivery vehicle.
Hans.