When only one of two carriers must be ready immediately, the lower-readiness ship can supply parts while replacements are ordered. This is a normal but unhappy response to limited stores and the absence of a third hull, rather than evidence that HMS Prince of Wales or HMS Queen Elizabeth is being abandoned. The direction of cannibalisation can reverse when the ships exchange readiness roles. The example shows how logistics, spare inventories, and fleet numbers determine whether an impressive platform is actually available.
Notable Point · 52:32-53:48
Carrier readiness depends on spare-parts depth
Parts transfers between Britain's two carriers reveal a stockpile and fleet-depth problem rather than an intention to discard one ship.