The eight-inch guns show an awkward carrier compromise

The heavy battery was a poor match for carrier operations. It reflected an early fear that a scouting carrier might meet cruisers without enough surface support. Firing eight-inch guns over the flight deck would endanger aircraft and pilots through blast, shock, and loose cartridge cases while preventing normal air operations. The turrets, armored barbettes, ammunition hoists, and supporting structure consumed substantial top weight and displacement. Removing that burden could have created room for better aircraft facilities, lifts, or other features more useful to the carrier's real weapon system.