The opening argument separates a warship's usefulness from its ability to fight the enemy's strongest fleet unit. Some Type 23 frigates could move into reserve, followed in time by newer Type 31 and Type 32 ships as construction continues. Rotating successive generations through reserve would preserve additional hulls while keeping yards building instead of stopping and restarting production. The result is a more flexible force whose older ships can cover appropriate duties while the newest ships concentrate on the hardest missions.
Chapter · 13:21-15:47
Reserve ships preserve fleet depth and construction continuity
A rotating reserve can preserve useful hulls, sustain a continuous building program, and give the active fleet more options than its peacetime establishment suggests.