Hosho demonstrated how a small, fast purpose-built carrier could support a useful air group. Eagle and Hermes helped establish the value of an island that combined navigation, flight control, and exhaust handling. Their guns and modest air groups also suited a cruiser-carrier concept intended for reconnaissance, gunnery spotting, and presence on distant stations rather than massed strike warfare. Hermes's early voyage from the China Station to Honolulu provides a concrete example of that presence role and the reach even a small carrier could signal. The ships reveal how rapidly designers were learning from conversions while matching carrier form to the missions contemporary aircraft could actually perform.
Chapter · 2:02:09-2:12:38
Hosho, Eagle, and Hermes tested distinct carrier roles
The next carrier generation tested compact purpose-built hulls, useful islands, and cruiser-carrier roles, illustrated by Hermes sailing from the China Station to Honolulu.