Q&A · 3:19:26-3:24:08

How carrier commands could shape doctrine

A counterfactual answer argues that large early carriers would create senior officers with practical aviation-command experience.

Question

How would an Admiral-class carrier and a larger early carrier force affect Royal Navy operations?

Short answer

It would likely create senior carrier specialists earlier, embedding aviation experience in Royal Navy command and changing later operational choices.

Notes

An Admiral-class carrier would likely require a senior carrier command, creating a succession of officers familiar with aviation and its staff work. That accumulated experience could influence aircraft-carrier operations, maintenance priorities, reconnaissance, and the handling of later wartime forces. Doctrine grows through institutions and command appointments as well as through the ships themselves.