[quote=@Stern Algorithm]
<Snipped quote by Sola>

So I know next to nothing about actual WWII tactics and ships, so I'll be needing a lot of help. Is there some cliffnotes version, or an "RPG classes of warships" primer/resource that I can look at to familiarize myself with such?

Thanks.
[/quote]

[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ship_classes_of_World_War_II]Check out this link.[/url]

I think it might be best to decide on what type you'd prefer to play (e.g. heavy cruiser, destroyer, submarine, etc) before deciding on class. That way you're not looking through hundreds of Clemson-class or Fletcher-class destroyers or some other variation of a ship class that was mass produced before you have any idea of what style of combat you're looking for.