In the 1929 exercises, Reginald Henderson led a night attack that was judged to have knocked out opposing carriers and battleships. The results elevated Henderson and pushed the Navy to think harder about protecting carriers with destroyers, cruisers, and anti-aircraft ships. Eagle, Hermes, and Argus initially supplied fighter-heavy examples close to the fleet. The exercises helped distinguish that battle-fleet role from strike forces operating farther back.
Chapter · 24:59-32:31
The 1929 exercises reshape carrier warfare
Large fleet exercises demonstrated night carrier striking power and drove new thinking about escorts, fighter defense, and carrier placement.