Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 34:12-36:11

Why a carrier is a poor model for battleship manning

Carrier crews sustain embarked aircraft and troops as well as the hull, so large escorts offer a better manning comparison for this battleship concept.

Arleigh Burke Class DestroyersBattleshipsCrew RequirementsQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersTiconderoga Class CruisersType 45 Destroyer
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Question

Would manning a modern battleship be cheaper than manning an aircraft carrier?

Short answer

It should require fewer people because it lacks a large carrier air group and its support burden. Large escorts provide a better starting point for estimating the crew.

Notes

Carrier personnel support an air group and potentially embarked troops, with catering, medical services, accommodation, and magazines sized accordingly. Those people and systems still need support from the ship's company. The battleship would not carry the same aviation burden, making a Queen Elizabeth-class complement a poor baseline. An Arleigh Burke, Type 45, or Ticonderoga provides a closer starting point. The proposed battleship is an enlarged escort with armor and bigger guns in this comparison.