Warspite had already been used for a nuclear attack submarine, or SSN, which is treated here as an acceptable continuation of the name. Applying it to a ballistic-missile submarine, or SSBN, feels more ominous. The reaction centres on a vessel that could strike the King's enemies anywhere in the world, tying the fighting name to the reach of the nuclear deterrent.
Notable Point · 10:19-10:41
Warspite as a ballistic-missile submarine name
Giving the Warspite name to an SSBN provokes unease about combining a famous fighting name with a submarine's global nuclear reach.