The first force-structure problem is geographical: a handful of slow capital ships must cover several coasts and ports. Ships are allocated to New York, San Francisco, Pensacola, Norfolk, and the Gulf, with control near Panama still a concern. The fleet cannot switch oceans quickly, so every local concentration leaves a gap elsewhere. Basing and transit routes constrain the fleet as much as the number of hulls.
Notable Point · 11:07-24:03
Distributing a small fleet between American coasts
The opening deployment spreads scarce battleships between New York, San Francisco, the Gulf Coast, and the approaches to Panama.