By the early 1930s, Bearn remained France's operational carrier at only 21.5 knots. HMS Argus, at 20 knots, is identified as the only slower contemporary carrier, but the Royal Navy had already moved Argus into extended reserve in 1932 and later used her for target-aircraft work. The United States likewise converted USS Langley back into a seaplane tender during the 1930s. France's front-line carrier baseline therefore resembled ships the leading carrier navies were already demoting to secondary duties.
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Bearn lagged behind other navies' secondary carriers
France still relied on a 21.5-knot carrier after Britain and the United States had moved comparable pioneers into secondary roles.