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only modestly-sized during the greater part of the pre-war years, especially
when compared to the Royal Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy, the U.S.
fleet could rely on the vast economic resources and capabilities of the
U.S. industry. When in 1940, the Two-Ocean law was passed by Congress,
the route was set to the construction of the largest and most capable fleet
yet seen on the world's oceans.
With over 3000 combattant
vessels in service by 1945, the U.S. Navy had used the war to construct
the most awe-inspiring force of all. It had built two dozen new fleet carriers;
over a hundred escort carriers; many dozen cruisers; hundreds of destroyers;
hundreds of submarines; and thousands of small PT-Boats, subchasers, amphibious
craft, adapated merchant vessels, etc.etc.
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Introduction to Anti-Air Armament Development of U.S. Warships
by Keith E. Allen Aircraft Carriers Battleships Cruisers Destroyers Submarines Small Combattants Amphibious Vessels Auxilliary Ships |