American 16-inch ships would not be replaced merely because the new treaty ceiling allowed 16.5-inch guns. Congress might pay to complete the authorized Lexington and South Dakota classes, but the scenario gives it little appetite for another major building cycle after that. Senator Benjamin Tillman and other politicians associated with the previous strong-navy debate were dead or no longer driving policy. The Navy may wait another decade or more for a new congressional generation willing to sponsor large capital-ship programs.
Notable Point · 50:50-51:52
U.S. naval procurement loses its political generation
Even without cumulative treaty limits, Congress is unlikely to fund a new American battle fleet once the wartime program is complete and its strongest political advocates have passed from the scene.