The Lexingtons did not have quite the maneuverability of the Yorktowns, and had the problem of the generators that went off-line in times of receiving shock damage (like the torpedoes Saratoga kept attracting). This meant long trips back to drydock to tear into the guts of the ship to allow the turbines to be reset.One reason why the Saratoga was eventually Lend-Leased entire to the Indian Ocean for British use to keep her out of harm's way. The Lexington, of course, didn't last long enough for that.
For all the criticism against the USN's old WWI battleships (slowness), they proved quite adaptable at modernization. Even the ancient Arkansas.
I think the modernisation of most of the Standards was more for national pride after Pearl Harbour than any real military value; Most of the modernised ships could have carried out the tasks they were given during OTL without the large modification programmes. Some of the standards also had to be excessively bulged to provide the stability to take all of the extra weight of the new conning towers and AA suites, further reducing their speed and there fore their utility in any battle line.
Thats not knocking the excellent rebuilds that did happen, you just wonder if the yard time could have been better spent building carriers or Baltimore’s.
Has to be said though USS Tennessee and the WeeVee ended up being fine looking ships after modernisation.
Oh and 7500 posts in this thread Astrodragon, excellent work and just shows how much we all apreciate your time line!
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