The campaign accepts an early monthly deficit as the cost of building a larger economic base. Four Arkansas-class battleships are ordered only after their projected construction bill falls from about $38 million to about $19 million a month. Shipbuilding still competes with economic subsidies and shipyard development. Money directed to GDP growth and the merchant marine is expected to make later naval budgets easier to sustain. Fleet expansion therefore depends on the commercial and industrial capacity that pays for it.
Notable Point · 44:30-45:50
Funding economic growth before fleet expansion
The campaign spends heavily on economic growth and the merchant marine, then trims the construction bill enough to order four Arkansas-class battleships.