The carrier group's early upgrades favour Fletcher-class destroyers, better radar, and more aircraft capacity. The players initially hold back from investing heavily in their starting aircraft until they understand their performance and the available upgrades. Crew numbers also affect what the simulated ship can do: full speed requires a fully staffed engine room, while extra hangar personnel shorten aircraft handling times. These choices put escorts, aircraft, and staffing in competition for the same limited upgrade points.
Notable Point · 22:30-28:38
Carrier force priorities: radar, aircraft, and escorts
Limited upgrade points force choices between Fletcher escorts, radar, aircraft capacity, and enough crew to operate the simulated carrier.