Q&A ยท 18:36-22:58

Building an ideal Second World War fleet

A deliberately mixed ideal fleet combines Midway and Malta carriers, versatile escorts, submarines, fast oilers, and enough aircraft to sustain operations.

Question

What ships would make up an ideal Second World War navy?

Short answer

The fleet would combine large Midway and Malta carriers with selected capital ships, cruisers, Tribal and Fletcher destroyers, U- and Gato/T-class submarines, oilers, escort carriers, and Black Swan escorts.

Notes

A mixed fleet provides complementary capabilities instead of relying on one national design family. Midway and Malta carriers form the core, while Warspite and Renown serve alongside faster American capital ships in a choice that combines affection with operational utility. Tribal and Fletcher destroyers, U-class and ocean-going submarines, fast oilers, escort carriers, and very large numbers of Black Swan sloops fill out the force. Hellcats offer pilot survivability, while a properly developed Barracuda supplies a flexible dive-bombing and strike aircraft.