ABDA combined ships from four governments, three training systems, several languages, and three logistics lines. Doorman had capable staff officers, although there were too few to reconcile those differences while directing operations. The deliberately exaggerated reference to sainthood underlines how little institutional preparation existed for success. Doorman still produced a creditable performance under the circumstances. Interoperability depended on staff capacity, shared procedures, and logistics as much as the presence of allied ships in one theatre.
Notable Point · 32:23-34:05
ABDA had ships from four governments but no common fleet system
Four governments, three training systems, several languages, and three supply chains left Doorman's small staff trying to create a fleet while already fighting one.