Seriously, again, the Archangel should be first, 'cos it lasted
out two wars and took so many damage, any army would have abandoned
it long ago.
Let me list:
1. Took legendary amount of damage.
2. Two Lohengrin positron cannons, if not for Kusanagi to top this.
The Minerva has only one Tannhauser, which did not deploy much
either.
3. Able to launch ZAFT and Earth Alliance MS, plus Earth Alliance
MA. Orb Union MS is also compatible.
4. Able to transit between Earth and Space without Mass Driver
boost.
5. Carried personnel from different warring sides, Naturals and
Coordinators, and prestigious persons such as Lacus Clyne, daughter
of PLANT Supreme Council chairman, and Flay Allster, daughter of
Earth Alliance minister George Allster.
6. Ever the first ship in my knowledge, real or virtual, to shoot
and destroy its sistership, in this case the Dominion.
7. Has a female captain, contradicting Japanese believe shown in
anime over so many years that female are weaker and cannot
lead.
8. Contrary to normal believe, and high-tech sense, does not have a
shielding bridge. This enables in some sense, better control over
the battle management, as visual is always more important.
9. Gottofried and Valiant cannons which are highly versatile and
powerful used in conjuction with the most powerful weapon, the
Lohengrin.
10. Carries the main character, Kira Yamato, throughout two series
and throughout the two wars. All other characters came and went now
and then. With exception of the Captain, and some unnamed
personnel.
All my reasons for Archangel to replace White Base as the first
ship in Gundam history are here, everyone has their own views, no
that I am giving any unnecessary crap, heehee.
