A count of seventeen ports leads to an order for eighteen heavy cruisers, giving the national base network more than token local protection. These ships extend the torpedo-boat distribution with heavier gunfire and the ability to accompany the battle fleet. Geographic coverage comes at the cost of dispersing a class that could form a concentrated cruiser squadron. Procurement quantity is tied directly to basing needs.
Notable Point · 1:50:51-1:55:09
Heavy cruisers for a national port network
Eighteen heavy cruisers are ordered after a count of seventeen ports, turning production quantity into a basing decision.