Zhdanov's conversion removed a triple six-inch turret and installed additional command facilities while retaining most of the original armament. The change shows how a large gun-cruiser hull could become a fleet flagship without being rebuilt as a completely different ship. Her later service included major exercises and repeated movement among Soviet fleet areas. Naval diplomacy did not require an ocean crossing because Soviet visits around the Baltic and Black Sea could influence neighboring states directly. The conversion joined command-and-control adaptation with the class's continuing political value.
Notable Point · 38:37-41:39
Zhdanov's command-ship conversion preserved a heavily armed fleet flagship
Removing one triple six-inch turret gave Zhdanov expanded command facilities while leaving most of the cruiser's visible combat power intact.