Hosho and Hermes prove that carrier roles matter

Hermes is presented as a useful station and cruiser-support carrier whose aircraft could strengthen forces in distant waters. Her displacement narrowly exceeded the Washington treaty's exemption threshold, but the Royal Navy had not intended her to perform the fleet-strike role of the larger conversions. Hosho's modest dimensions and 25-knot speed suited the essential task of teaching a nascent Japanese naval air arm how to operate from a purpose-built flight deck. Her rounded flight-deck bow and useful speed also helped provide clean airflow before carrier catapults became standard. Their value came from matching specialized roles, rather than from imitating the largest converted battlecruisers.