Pocket-Battleship

Pocket Battleship

Shown is the last purpose built Union Fleet Pocket Battleship, the USS Benedict .(3600 OTT) 1400 mtrs. It was an odd hull size designation from the beginning and adapted from a Pre Astro United Earth term for a less than fullsize battleship. Main role of the POB was "Gunboat" politics. With a good range, fair speed and a number of auillary craft combined with tremendous fire power these smaller than full Battleships (needing less crew) were usually attached in groups of ten to number fleets and deployed on long range patrols usually in "Freespace" or in Fringe regions with non Union civilizations, to show Union muscle and surpress any corsair and pirate ativity. To make sure smaller space nations know their place. These ten ship groups have been nicknamed "Heavy Hands ". Shown is a rendevouz with the USS Verifant, a re classifed Pocket battle ship (Now a Heavy Cruiser ) of the 20th fleet.