Instead of 3x3 12 inch batteries..Good points, but as you said they have about as much staying power as a heavy cruiser (their likely opponents). With their 12' battery they have far more hitting power than their Japanese opponents. I suspect they would give more than they got, but you are right - they arent that much more capable than a Cleveland - and at twice the size and with twice the crew complement as a cruiser, you really don't want to see one sunk by 3 destroyer-launched long lances. I take it back. But they're still about the most beautiful ships the USN ever had and would look great visiting a royal fleet review.
instead of investing on the creation of the 12 inch guns and shells..
If the Navy and the President and Congress and whomever had supported the buildup of the Alaska Class is sooo adamant about them.....
How about just using the 16 inch guns instead and instead of 3x3 12 inch guns...
just have 3x2 16 inch guns ...
Two 16 inch guns per turrents...
and make them a true Battlecruiser and reduce the need to create, inventory and supply the 12 inch shells needed for the Alaska Class units and have them use the already available 16 inch shells that are in production in the military factoies......
meh...