The flagship choice makes command function the central criterion: Farragut wanted the ship from which he could best communicate with and direct his fleet. Hartford was a capable, serviceable platform for an admiral despite being neither an ironclad nor an experimental showpiece. Coming two years before the Battle of Lissa, the choice offers a command-centred contrast to later fascination with ironclad fleet battles. An exposed conventional warship gave Farragut the visibility needed in an era without a modern command-information centre. An admiral's platform had to help him understand the battle as it developed.
Notable Point · 17:01-20:45
Why Farragut chose USS Hartford as flagship
Farragut selected the conventional USS Hartford for communication and command rather than choosing the most modern-looking vessel.