The Essex-class aircraft carriers were the carriers the American Navy had decided to mass-produce, and they would also be its main aircraft carriers in this war. The United States Congress had even approved the construction of thirty-two carriers of this class. Compared with the German Navy building twelve aircraft carriers per class, that was undoubtedly far more.
However, war was already imminent. Therefore, with the number of Essex-class aircraft carriers severely insufficient, the American Navy had no choice but to use Independence-class light aircraft carriers as substitutes. However, compared with the Essex-class aircraft carriers, the Independence-class light aircraft carriers were far inferior in performance.
"How many carrier-based aircraft can an Independence-class aircraft carrier carry?" President Roosevelt asked.
"Each Independence-class aircraft carrier can carry twenty-four carrier-based fighter planes and nine Avenger Torpedo Bombers," Admiral Stark said.
President Roosevelt nodded. Calculated that way, the nine Independence-class aircraft carriers in service possessed combat power equivalent to three Essex-class aircraft carriers. That meant the American Navy roughly had the strength of eighteen aircraft carriers.
"The Germans have sixteen aircraft carriers in the Atlantic Ocean. They also have four aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean Sea. In other words, once war breaks out, we will have to face twenty German aircraft carriers! We still have no advantage in this regard!" President Roosevelt said.
The naval commanders all wore solemn expressions. Indeed, judging from the number of Capital Ships and aircraft carriers on both sides, the American Navy held no advantage whatsoever. That was only because the German Navy had deployed a fairly powerful fleet in the Pacific Ocean. Without the Island Nation Navy keeping them in check, the American Navy would have even less ability to contend with the German Navy.
"What about carrier-based aircraft?" President Roosevelt continued.
The number of aircraft carriers was an important