Most real ship conversions had logic, even when the result was awkward

What were some controversial ship conversions from the two world wars?

Most completed conversions had a wartime logic, while Kitakami's repeated changes and proposed battlecarrier hybrids prompt more disagreement.

Most conversions actually carried out had an understandable purpose, even when the result was awkward. Lexington and Saratoga keeping 8-inch guns makes more sense under later cruiser limits than under the Washington system, while tanker conversions to amphibious ships followed an expedient wartime logic. Kitakami's rapid changes provide a more debatable example. Dr. Clarke rejects battlecarrier hybrids, while other panel members see some merit in the Nelson and Jean Bart proposals, although they still consider the concepts flawed.