Wartime aircraft did not yet have the capabilities of later carrier aviation, so surface firepower still mattered. A balanced task group could pair two carriers with two battleships, plus cruiser and destroyer support. That mix joined long-range air power to heavy surface firepower against several kinds of threat. Close operation with fast carriers demanded roughly 30 knots or more, leaving a 28-knot Montana less adaptable than an Iowa-type ship.
Chapter · 8:56-12:25
A battle line meets carrier task forces
Carrier task forces still needed capital ships, but a 28-knot Montana could not keep pace with fast carriers.