US fleet boats - best frontline sub of ww2?

[Torplexed]

Originally Posted by Red Lord of Chaos

Japanese intrest in British naval technology and strategy was good upto the start of the War, indeed possibly too good, the Attack on Pearl Harbour was a copy of the British raid on Taranto. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Taranto

That's because the Japanese obsession with battle came at the expense of trade defense. Japan went to war with six large carriers and an excellent fleet air arm, but only four purpose-built escorts in service, and none of these had sonar (Shumushu class). None of the 14 members of the Type A Etorofu class were within two months of being laid down. They came fifth in the shipbuilding priority list. (i.e. aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, minesweepers, escorts) Compare this with the British Flower class frigates were by the end of January 1940, a total of 116 ships were building or on order.