Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 54:40-54:54

More Midway-class carriers trade Essex longevity for growth

Building every planned Midway-class carrier would give the U.S. Navy a stronger growth platform for the Cold War but shorten the service lives of some Essex-class ships.

Aircraft CarriersCold WarEssex Class Aircraft CarriersMidway Class Aircraft CarriersUS Navy
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

What if the United States built all of the planned Midway-class carriers?

Short answer

The Navy would enter the Cold War with more adaptable large carriers, while some Essex-class ships would probably retire sooner.

Notes

The Midway class offered greater room for larger aircraft and later growth. Completing the whole planned class would therefore leave the U.S. Navy with a strong carrier base for the Cold War. Fleet size and budgets would still impose a tradeoff. Some Essex-class carriers would probably leave service earlier if more Midways were available.