In this interpretation, successive US large-combatant proposals seek to fill a diplomatic gap below a carrier group. The Defiant-class battleship proposal and the earlier strike-cruiser idea provide the examples. A conspicuous single ship would signal an interest in a crisis before a carrier or amphibious force arrived. The envisioned visit would combine a warning about escalation with an appeal for peaceful conduct. This is a proposed diplomatic role, rather than evidence of how an operating ship performed.
Notable Point · 1:51:40-1:53:23
The proposed diplomatic role of a US status ship
The Defiant-class battleship proposal and earlier strike-cruiser idea are discussed as possible diplomatic options below a carrier group.