Is this a reference to some US Naval personnel viewed the early carriers where they were called "bathtubs with barn doors" on top?

MajorAmiruddin said:

Is this a reference to some US Naval personnel viewed the early carriers where they were called "bathtubs with barn doors" on top?

It's just a reflection that in the history CV Saratoga always got herself hurt and being repaired, and spent almost 1/3 of her lifetime in port rather than the frontier.
So that's why fans always joke Saratoga as "The Queen in Tub".

Anyway, after Lex's sunk and Lucky E's damage, for a short period time it's Saratoga herself battled against those IJN Carriers.

Because Saratoga sunk Ryujo in the history, you can see a Ryujo figure in the tub.

And for more, once Saratoga was hit by a torpedo from I-26, who joint the game earlier this year.

The Ryuujou in the tub actually exists as a real bath toy (released by GOODSMILE company)
Kinda neat touch