Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 28:40-30:34

How an even Battle of Midway could reshape US carrier building

An alternate Midway with heavier American losses would probably preserve the Essex program while accelerating Midways and strengthening carrier air-defence escorts.

Aircraft CarriersAlaska Class Large CruisersAtlanta Class CruisersBattle Of MidwayEssex Class Aircraft CarriersMidway Class Aircraft CarriersUS Navy
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Question

If Midway had been a much more even battle, would the United States favor Essex carriers, accelerate the Midway class, or turn toward submarine blockade?

Short answer

The Essex program would likely continue, with more or earlier Midways and added emphasis on heavily armed carrier escorts rather than a submarine-led strategy.

Notes

The United States would likely keep the Essex production surge but place greater urgency on the larger, more survivable Midway class. Alaska-class ships already under construction might be rushed into service with much stronger anti-aircraft batteries. Ordering more Atlanta-class cruisers offers a cleaner escort solution, but it would take longer than adapting hulls already being built. The answer therefore changes the protection and support around the carrier force rather than replacing carriers with a submarine-led Pacific strategy.