A submerged U-boat became slower, oxygen-limited, and wholly dependent on its smaller torpedo inventory, so merely forcing it below the surface dictated much of the engagement. Later submarine designs tried to recover that lost initiative, but they entered a contest against increasingly numerous aircraft, sensors, MAC ships, and escort carriers. Escort carriers diverted to strike work could be reassigned to convoy protection if the undersea threat again became decisive, giving Allied planners depth beyond the dedicated MAC force. The adaptability of merchant flight decks also invites comparison with Atlantic Conveyor in 1982, while highlighting how much more deliberately the wartime MAC ships were prepared for sustained aviation.
Notable Point · 38:10-40:45
Technology kept reversing hunter and hunted
Forcing submarines down surrendered initiative, while mass-produced aviation ships let the Allies answer later undersea improvements with adaptable air cover.