Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:02:50-2:03:37

Why modern fleet auxiliaries matter more in the Pacific war

Six modern replenishment ships would integrate into a Second World War Pacific fleet more easily than four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships.

Amphibious WarfareFleet AuxiliariesLive Q&ANaval LogisticsPacific War
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Question

Would four Wasp-class LHDs or six modern fleet auxiliaries be more useful if sent back to the Pacific war?

Short answer

The fleet auxiliaries would be more useful because their logistics value is immediate and they are easier to integrate than modern LHDs.

Notes

Wasp-class LHDs and their hovercraft offer major tactical capability, but their systems and operating concepts would be difficult to sustain in a 1940s force. Fast oilers and supply ships solve the more universal problem of keeping fleets fueled and provisioned across Pacific distances.