What modifications are made to the 26-foot parachute canopy?

The modification involving water deflation pockets on alternate gores serves a critical purpose in enhancing the functionality of the 26-foot parachute canopy. These pockets are designed to facilitate quicker water drainage after a parachute deploys in a wet environment, which reduces drag and enhances the parachute's performance when it needs to be retrieved from water. This feature is vital for ensuring the parachute can be reused reliably and efficiently, especially in maritime conditions where water landing may occur.

Other modifications related to the materials or structure of the parachute, such as increased weight capacity or double-layer fabric, play roles in durability and load management but do not specifically address the issue of water retention and subsequent performance. A focus on improving aerodynamic efficiency through targeted design features like water deflation pockets can meaningfully impact operational effectiveness in various environments, making option B the correct answer here.