A deliberately simple percentage comparison shows why several good-enough ships may produce more usable force than a very small number of perfect ones. Six highly capable ships may generate only two continuously operational hulls, whereas twelve somewhat less capable ships can put four or more into service. Keeping ships in harbour may increase short-notice numbers, but it sacrifices work-up, presence, and the familiarity gained through routine deployment. The arithmetic is only a heuristic, yet it directs attention to the decisive planning question: what capable force can the fleet actually sustain at sea?
Chapter · 52:28-53:41
Force generation is the real comparison
Six nominally perfect ships may sustain only two operational hulls, while a larger force of less individually capable ships can generate much greater usable strength.