A viewer's comparison of French cruiser aviation leads to Commandant Teste. She originated in carrier planning, carried a substantial seaplane group, and emerged after a cheaper redesign grew costly through delay. The ship would move between islands and establish a naval air base. Her aircraft would operate from that temporary base while the ship provided transport and support. This role helps explain the appeal of seaplane tenders, although it left France without another conventional flight deck.
Notable Point · 17:43-18:59
Commandant Teste as a mobile naval air base
The Commandant Teste discussion treats the French seaplane carrier as a deployable naval air base rather than a normal fleet carrier.