A proposed 150,000-ton allowance permits six 25,000-ton fleet carriers alongside the scout-carrier force. These could combine an Ark Royal-sized air group with Illustrious-style flight-deck protection. Replacing experimental carriers could allow two or three new ships to enter service around 1938-1939. The numerous smaller decks would also develop a wider pool of carrier commanders, damage-control officers, and other specialists. They could undertake anti-submarine duties that historically exposed scarce fleet carriers such as Courageous, leaving the larger ships available for fleet operations.
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More small carriers create a stronger fleet-carrier bench
A larger scout-carrier force supports improved Ark Royal- or Illustrious-scale fleet carriers by producing more experienced officers, crews, and damage-control specialists.