Commissioning rules shift risk between navies and shipbuilders

Giulio Cesare displayed an experienced Italian battle fleet to Adolf Hitler at Naples in May 1938. That force contrasted with Germany's habit of commissioning ships before all trials and working-up were complete, which allowed faster-looking delivery statistics. Early commissioning also transferred the cost of unresolved defects from the builder to the state navy. British and American practice kept a ship with its builder until trials demonstrated that it worked, creating a different financial incentive for shipyard quality and acceptance.