Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:33:09-1:35:52

A later US entry preserves Montanas and most of the prewar program

Without the carrier losses and strategic shock of historical 1942, the United States has less reason to cancel battleships already embedded in its procurement program.

Alaska Class Large CruisersEssex Class Aircraft CarriersMontana Class BattleshipsNaval ProcurementUS NavyWorld War II
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Question

What would the United States build if it entered World War II two years later?

Short answer

It would likely complete the Montanas, build at least the first Alaskas, and avoid some emergency light-carrier conversions while continuing the Essex program.

Notes

Existing contracts and an unchanged strategic picture keep much of the planned fleet moving. The panel expects the Montana class because it represented a return to the US Navy's traditional 28-knot battle-line doctrine after the exceptional fast-Iowa requirement. The first Alaskas also proceed, though their high operating cost eventually weakens the case for the full class. Carrier construction remains important, but the emergency Cleveland-to-light-carrier conversions become less likely without the historical shortage.