Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbuna
She actually participated in actions at Iwo Jima and Okinawa amongst others.
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True, and so did Winsconsin, likewise a latecomer. But realistically, the matter had been settled by then, insofar surface engagements went, and if one wanted to be really technical 1940 was still prewar as far the US was concerned. In actual practice the breaking out of hostilities resulted in the termination of most battleships projects: the germans froze work on the H-39s, the british likewise halted the construction of the Lion class and the americans cancelled the Montana (the two extra Iowa were bumped down the priority list in favor of LSTs and such and never completed). The resources were redirected to something that could be brought in service within an useful time, such as submarines, escorts and aircraft carriers. Battleships were understood to be "come as you are" asset and a war would be largely fought with those that were either already ready or advanced enough in the pipeline. Eventual losses would have to be lived with. The same had happened previously in WW1, with neither Britain or Germany laying down new battleships after the beginning of the war.