Now, considering such beauties as USS Albany post her modification a WI sprang into my mind: What if USN decided to become more surface combatant orientated and less carrier orientated in 1950's? As there's numerous WI's about continuation of battleships, this is a continuation of those ideas. This is probably full of holes, but I'd appreciate comments.
POD: As New Look sets in during early 1950's the USN decides, on basis on several analytical points, that construction of more carriers should be restricted. The reasons are, that projected ballistic and cruise missiles are more viable for nuclear strike missions than strike missions. Additionally, as H-bombs loom, a carrier strike groups is seen vulnerable against them. Against projected Soviet cruise missiles and supersonic combat aircraft it is viewed that forthcoming 3-T missiles are more effective. Moreover, existing Essex-class ships will be usable to 1970's and Forrestall-class ships under construction will be usable for even longer time.
An idea of new kind of surface combatant, a missile cruiser or battleship is developed. These ships would be armed with tactical missiles capable of striking land and naval targets and powerful armory of air defense missiles.
For ASW they would have ASROC's and ASW helos. As much more of them than carriers can be built they will have more coverage. With nuclear propulsion they will be not very dependant upon replenishment.
With many hulls at hand for conversion, the first prototype missile cruisers will be three Alaska-class large cruisers. The USS Alaska will retain her forward 12" turret for NGFS and surface combat as missile technology is still under development. 4x2 5" turrets will be also retained. Otherwise the superstructure will be completely remade. Her armament includes two twin-armed Talos-missile launchers, two twin-armed Tartar launchers, ASROC launcher, Regulus-launcher and also space for four Polaris missiles (never fielded due to success of SSBN's). There is also a hangar for four S-34, later S-61, ASW helos.
USS Alaska emerges from the Boston Naval Shipyard in 1960. (the tech is slightly accelerated because of more money available for missile systems).
The first combat test of the concept comes after the Gulf of Tonkin incident. In operation Pierce Arrow surface action groups led by USS Alaska and USS Guam destroy five North Vietnamese torpedo boat bases and an oil depot in Vinh.
The next, purpose built nuclear powered large missile cruiser class is authorized in 1955. Meanwhile, modification plans for USS Illinois and USS Kentucky are debated...