Nimitz assumed command in the Pacific knowing that a substantial fleet was under construction. Mercogliano points to thirteen Essex-class carriers on the ways as evidence of the reinforcements he could anticipate. He contrasts that position with the much smaller number of contemporary carriers he believes could be made available at short notice. The comparison separates a navy's total inventory from the forces a commander can employ and the reinforcements already being built.
Notable Point · 1:43:11-1:43:58
A fleet under construction changes a commander's options
Nimitz could anticipate carriers already under construction, while availability at short notice depends on how many existing ships can deploy promptly.