What may provide protection for a Marine amphibious force en route to an amphibious objective area?

The correct answer is a Carrier Strike Group. A Carrier Strike Group is a powerful naval formation centered around an aircraft carrier, and it provides significant force projection and protection for amphibious forces during their transit to an objective area.

The presence of a Carrier Strike Group enhances the operational capability of the Marine amphibious force by providing air support and maritime security. The aircraft from the carrier can conduct air superiority missions, search and rescue operations, and reconnaissance, creating a secure environment for the amphibious operations. Furthermore, the various ships in the strike group contribute to an integrated air and missile defense, making it harder for adversaries to target the amphibious force.

Other options do not provide the same level of protection in this context. While submarines are stealthy and effective for some missions, they do not offer the comprehensive aerial support and surface combat capability that a carrier strike group does. An Air Force squadron, while possessing excellent air power capabilities, typically operates from land bases and is not designed to provide direct support to naval amphibious operations on the sea. A land-based artillery division does not offer naval protection or the ability to project power over the water, making it less suitable for protecting forces on the move toward an objective at sea.