Applying a 1,200-day construction time would make HMS Unicorn available to accompany Victorious to the Pacific. Her repair and maintenance facilities could support both Victorious and Saratoga and keep their air groups operating wherever the carriers deployed. If that arrangement worked well, the United States might build comparable support ships or convert Independence-class light carriers once enough Essex-class ships were available. This is a possible American response to demonstrated aviation support. A carrier force depends on aviation maintenance and replacement capacity as well as flight decks, so Unicorn could improve endurance without adding another fleet carrier.
Notable Point · 31:04-32:55
HMS Unicorn could extend carrier air-group endurance
An earlier HMS Unicorn could support the air groups of Victorious and Saratoga in the Pacific and demonstrate the value of a dedicated aviation-maintenance ship to the United States.