Q&A · 2:16:29-2:16:55

Why battlecruisers suited global presence

A presence-operations answer places the battlecruiser in the lineage of ships used to project power across distant stations.

Battlecruisers Cruisers Global Presence Maritime Strategy Royal Navy

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Question

Was the battlecruiser the best ship for global presence operations?

Short answer

For its period, yes; it combined speed, prestige, and power in a role previously served by second-class battleships, fast battleships, and large cruisers.

Notes

The type could reach crises quickly and overmatch most local opponents without committing the whole battle fleet. Earlier second-class battleships and large cruisers filled a similar mission before the battlecruiser name existed.