Q&A · 2:05:02-2:06:34

Why Italian ships lead for crew comfort

Personal experience puts Italian ships first for food and habitability, ahead of French comforts and more cramped Chinese or austere American arrangements.

Question

Which modern navy cares most about crew comfort aboard ship?

Short answer

From his own shipboard experience, the Italian Navy, especially for food and overall habitability.

Notes

Drawing on time aboard several navies' ships rather than a formal rating, Dr. Clarke gives Italian ships the lead for their food and overall accommodation. French vessels have notable comforts, including wine. He found Chinese spaces too small, while Japanese arrangements seemed closer to American standards. U.S. ships made only limited habitability improvements despite their size and resources. Crew endurance depends on mundane living conditions as well as weapons and sensors.