Carrier Command is set during the Cold War era, where you play as a military commander responsible for defending the United States from an alien invasion. The story begins with an attack on the American continent, and it's up to you to coordinate your defense forces and stop the extraterrestrial threat.
The gameplay involves strategic planning and resource management, as you deploy troops, tanks, and other military units to defend key locations across the country. You must also manage your resources carefully, as the aliens will continue to attack and drain your supplies. The game requires careful decision-making and quick thinking to succeed.