Notable Point · 1:03:19-1:03:32

Carriers for trade protection and scouting

Carrier value includes protecting oceanic trade and extending reconnaissance alongside battle-fleet operations.

Notes

A state responsible for trade across large ocean spaces has a practical need for aircraft carriers. They serve as trade-protection tools as well as capital ships. Their scouting and spotting advantages could leave a navy strategically behind even before aircraft became decisive ship-killers. Early carrier policy therefore concerned information and maritime coverage alongside strike power.