Judging a warship only by its original design misses changes made during its service life, while judging it only by combat performance overlooks much of its peacetime work. Staterooms, entertaining facilities, and suitable deck space can contribute to naval diplomacy. Large carrier hangars can host receptions among imposing aircraft, turning aviation facilities into a setting for political influence. Before the Second World War, Britain could escalate a naval presence from routine sloop visits through cruisers, squadrons, and battleships. The Cold War compressed that range of options, leaving fewer levels of escalation before conflict. A fleet containing both Audacious- and Malta-sized carriers would offer a choice over the scale and meaning of a deployment before committing to combat.
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Carrier hangars, naval diplomacy, and escalation
Carrier hangars support diplomacy as well as aircraft, while a varied fleet gives governments more rungs on the ladder between routine presence and combat.