Early fast task forces reshape naval aviation

A British world cruise with Hood, Repulse, and large Admiral-derived carriers would send both a diplomatic and military signal. The carriers are assigned to historically important naval aviators including Reginald Henderson, Richard Bell-Davies, and Murray Sueter, giving officers interested in aviation a chance to develop their new role. The cruise demonstrates that Britain can send trade-threatening fast capital ships and carrier air power across the world while conducting peacetime diplomacy. It also creates an early fast carrier task force in which carriers and battlecruisers operate together. Air groups of about 90 aircraft make squadron organization, fighter demand, torpedo-bomber strength, and naval control of procurement more consequential.