Mar 28th 2013, 7:14:15
In 1943 or so, The American and British were inferior to the German in many ways, however they were able to avoid German U-boat patrol in the Atlantic to stop Merchant Ships.
In the Pacific theater, The IJN was far more superior, even after the increase in US naval production. It is true that they wre stretched in regards to controlled area and available forces. However, the breaking of IJN comm code causes huge lost of veterans seamen and pilot (and the incapability to replace them fast enough).
If they were able to keep their veteran pilots and seamen, I am fairly certain the US navy would have a tough time to match the IJN (Zero was far more superior than Hellcat for A-to-A battle). Also, without many of the atolls along the pacific, the US wouldnt have their forward bases and hence their superfortress would be useless.