While six O'Briens were being authorized, Pennsylvania-class battleships were laid down and the Nevada and New York classes were still being completed. New Mexico-class construction soon followed. These capital ships supplied the fighting core and the status expected of a world power. The same fleet lacked enough scout cruisers and destroyers to find threats, screen the battle line, and cover distant waters. Its procurement program therefore produced a capable core without the supporting structure needed to use it fully.
Chapter · 43:30-45:08
Capital-ship status outpaces the supporting fleet
Battleships supplied the fighting core and diplomatic status, while too few scout cruisers and destroyers kept that core from operating as a balanced force.