Cruiser-caliber guns did not make an aircraft carrier capable of fighting a cruiser on equal terms. A carrier remained a large target crowded with aviation fuel and other combustible material, so its proper response to a surface threat was to withdraw behind its escorts. Giving up Kaga's 200 mm battery let the Shokaku class emphasize speed, aircraft, protection, and anti-aircraft firepower that better served carrier operations. HMS Glorious provides the warning about what could happen when a carrier operated under an escort arrangement that violated its own navy's doctrine.
Notable Point · 22:49-25:05
Trading cruiser guns for carrier protection
Dropping Kaga's 200 mm guns let the Shokaku class emphasize speed, air power, and anti-aircraft defense within an escort-based carrier doctrine.