Would Pennsylvania be able to sail with the fleet?
Short answerWith several days of warning she might be rushed out of refit, because leaving a battleship behind would undermine the demonstration.
NotesHistorically Pennsylvania was in dry dock with three screws removed. The scenario supplies several days of warning rather than a surprise order on 7 December, allowing the navy yard to reverse or abbreviate work. A diplomatic battle-line display would strongly favor taking every available battleship. Because the immediate mission is to sail and look battle-ready, not begin a prolonged combat cruise without further preparation, the minimum acceptable readiness could be lower than it would be for ordinary deployment.