King's anger has to be read alongside the structural problems he inherited, including a shortage of escorts and major commitments in the Pacific. He was combative but technically engaged, an admiral who learned to fly when commanding carriers rather than relying only on rank. Discovering a British scheme tested against a thousand-pound charge was therefore especially frustrating because most American designs and construction were already locked in. He could not incorporate the idea widely at the moment it became available, even though Britain was now an ally. The revelation also challenged his conviction that the United States should lead in naval capability, making the reaction practical, institutional, and personal at once.
Chapter · 2:10:30-2:14:05
Why Nelson's water armour frustrated Admiral King
Admiral King learned of the British system after American wartime ship designs were largely fixed, leaving little opportunity to copy a protection scheme demonstrated against heavy torpedo charges.