Early losses and limited advantages over destroyers help explain the Atlanta class's restricted use and production in this assessment. The proposed alternative was to provide at least two Atlantas for every Essex-class carrier. Concentrated AA fire and the ability to keep pace at about 32.5 knots suited them to close escort of a maneuvering carrier. Slower battleships brought substantial protection and firepower but could restrict carrier maneuvering in that position. The expectation that extra Atlantas would have reduced losses, particularly against kamikazes, is a counterfactual judgment. Their 5-inch battery and torpedoes also support the recommendation to handle them as large destroyers and give them captains accustomed to destroyer operations.
Notable Point · 1:31:38-1:34:06
A case for pairing Atlantas with every Essex
Two Atlantas per Essex carrier are proposed as fast close escorts whose concentrated fire could have strengthened defense against aircraft and kamikazes.