Q&A · 2:15:44-2:17:08

Could Pacific-style carrier warfare work in the North Atlantic?

Poor Atlantic weather, dispersed British carriers, night-flying skill, and different operating doctrines complicate any Pacific-style carrier contest.

Question

Is the North Atlantic suitable for the kind of mass carrier warfare seen in the Pacific?

Short answer

Not really; weather and doctrine would produce a different campaign, though British Atlantic and night-operating experience could be valuable.

Notes

North Atlantic weather is poorly suited to mass carrier operations on the Pacific model, and the South Atlantic presents additional difficulties. British experience escorting convoys and operating carriers in Atlantic conditions would matter, as would stronger night-fighting and night-flying practice. The location and air groups of the Royal Navy's best carriers in 1946 remain a major uncertainty. American demobilization adds another because available ships and trained air groups would not equal wartime paper strength.