Nominal fleet size exceeds the number of ships continuously ready for operations. In the deployment pattern assumed here, six ships make roughly two regularly available. A hypothetical seven-ship group is preferred for a stronger margin, often allowing three or four to be available. Relatively short operations near home help distinguish that estimate from the demands of long overseas cruises. Seahawk helicopters add capability to the ships that can actually deploy.
Notable Point · 1:18:48-1:19:34
Six ships and the difference between fleet size and availability
Singapore's six-ship groups introduce the maintenance and deployment arithmetic behind a much smaller continuously available force.