The Ticonderogas began as destroyer leaders before Congress reclassified them as cruisers. Their employment as cruisers placed demands on a hull originally intended for a destroyer. The criticism concerns internal volume and accommodation for the people expected to carry out that role. A larger hull with more crew space would have made sustained cruising more habitable. Reclassification and operational employment could not themselves provide that extra space.
Notable Point · 40:43-41:31
The cruiser duties imposed on Ticonderoga's hull
Cruiser employment placed accommodation demands on the Ticonderogas' destroyer hulls, prompting an argument for larger ships with more crew space.