Pacific employment and fleet-support assumptions

The design began as a presence and economic-warfare ship, which may have shaped assumptions about its use across the Pacific. The operating concept may have kept Lexingtons from meeting enemy battlecruisers alone or in unsupported pairs. They might fight Kongō-class ships directly, while the more formidable Amagis presented a harder problem. One possible tactic was to draw those opponents toward Colorado-class or later US battleships. Fleet cooperation could therefore turn Lexington's speed and scouting ability into practical strengths despite limited protection.