[Paleo Conservative]

The Saratoga (CV-3) was capable of 33 knots. Only the Iowa Class of battleships were capable of keeping up with the carrier fleet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Saratoga_(CV-3)

[nonsporting]

The Saratoga (CV-3) was capable of 33 knots. Only the Iowa Class of battleships were capable of keeping up with the carrier fleet.

The first carriers were battleships WITHOUT their fighting superstructure. No? No big guns, no massive belt and deck armour, would result in a lighter ship with the same power plants. Add planes and support materiel, it probably still results in a lighter OAW. No wonder they were faster.

The Iowa class ships were all the more impressive.