The PGM-1 critique also includes an opportunity-cost objection. The Navy selected submarine chasers already under construction for conversion in 1941, when anti-submarine work was itself urgent. A weak conversion produced a gunboat poorly matched to PT boats and redirected hulls from the role for which they were already effective. Procurement choices should be judged by the capability surrendered as well as the capability gained.
Notable Point · 3:00:59-3:01:38
Converting submarine chasers during an ASW shortage
The PGM critique ends by questioning why the U.S. Navy diverted submarine-chaser hulls into slow gunboat conversions while submarines remained a serious threat.