Planning estimates for a hypothetical continuation of the war against Japan assumed that carriers without armoured flight decks or hangars could be knocked out within days by kamikazes, submarines, or other enemy action. Even protected carriers were expected to remain effective only a little longer. The response combined protection with fighter-heavy air groups of Corsairs, Seafires, Hellcats, Fireflies, and other aircraft assigned to combat air patrol and close support. Capital ships would handle anti-surface work, while escorts took responsibility for anti-submarine warfare. This task allocation let carriers concentrate on keeping threats farther away and made doctrine part of their survivability.
Notable Point · 36:28-38:51
Japan invasion planning and fighter-carrier survival
Planning for an invasion of Japan assumed carriers would face severe losses, pushing air groups toward fighters for combat air patrol and close support until shore bases could open.