The scenario introduces a command problem before it counts hulls: political cleansing could remove experienced, moderate officers such as Chester Nimitz. Dividing American battleship divisions between the east and west coasts shows the cost of defending both oceans at once. Four three-ship battle divisions cannot all concentrate in one theatre if the east coast and Canada remain contested. Colorado-class ships supply the heaviest U.S. guns in the discussion, but the fleet lacks fast battleships or battlecruisers. Japan's nominal force of ten battleships also shrinks in practice, with two in reserve and one under such deep reconstruction that an early return is implausible.
Chapter · 36:51-40:43
A divided American battle force and Japanese readiness
A two-ocean U.S. Navy faces an awkward choice between concentration and a split battle force, while Japanese battleships remain constrained by reserve and refit status.