Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:00:08-4:02:53

If Pearl Harbor's battleships cannot return

Permanent loss of the Pearl Harbor battle line removes bombardment ships and strengthens the case for all six Iowas, the five Montanas, and perhaps a British Lion alongside Vanguard.

HMS VanguardIowa Class BattleshipsLion Class BattleshipsMontana Class BattleshipsNaval ProcurementPearl HarborShore BombardmentUS Navy
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Question

What if the battleships damaged at Pearl Harbor were beyond repair?

Short answer

The US loses vital bombardment ships and likely completes all six Iowas and the five Montanas, with a secondary chance of preserving a British Lion.

Notes

The most immediate operational loss would be heavy shore-bombardment firepower, including the old battleships used in later amphibious campaigns. Surigao Strait would rely more heavily on cruisers, destroyers, and motor torpedo boats. Because the United States would still fear a shortage before carrier warfare had fully demonstrated its dominance, the loss in December 1941 would reinforce programs already authorized rather than end capital-ship construction. All six planned Iowas and probably all five Montanas could proceed, given that the Montana class was not suspended until April 1942. That much American construction could also encourage Britain to finish a Lion-class battleship alongside Vanguard for national status.