In what shipyards, with what skilled shipwrights? Most of those capabilities are gone and will take years or decades to rebuild. We have one, count it, one shipyard that can build or overhaul a carrier, and it’s on the East Coast - not real
useful for a Pacific war. Take that yard out, our fleet carriers no longer can be built or be repaired.
I totally understand. Remember in 1941 we had very few such “skilled shipwrights.” Same as in 1800, when we built six pretty good frigates (including a couple that were exceptional).
My point is, when Americans really need to, we have it in our character to step up.
Like Churchill said, “Americans can always be counted on to do the right thing . . . after they’ve exhausted all other alternatives.”