Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 30:56-32:38

A 1950 US fleet transported to Jutland

A time-travel scenario separates the fleet's overwhelming firepower from the command, alliance, and training problems governing its use.

Battle Of JutlandBattleshipsFleet LogisticsUS NavyWorld War I
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Question

What would a February 1950 US Navy fleet do if transported to Jutland in 1916?

Short answer

Its American crews would signal that they were friendly, avoid the Royal Navy, and use their oilers to return home rather than fight; German crews given the same ships could not quickly master them.

Notes

Knowing the historical situation, US crews would have little reason to fight Britain and sufficient logistics to cross the Atlantic. The same hulls in German hands would be formidable on paper, but unfamiliar radar and machinery could not be learned in time for the battle.