Q&A · 1:45:49-1:48:35

Could Pennsylvania leave dry dock for the sortie?

Pennsylvania's refit makes departure difficult, but advance warning could make restoring her screws and getting her underway the fleet's highest repair priority.

Question

Would Pennsylvania be able to sail with the fleet?

Short answer

With several days of warning she might be rushed out of refit, because leaving a battleship behind would undermine the demonstration.

Notes

Historically 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.