Today is the 100th Anniversary of United States Naval Aviation (USS Langley CV-1)

[Safiel]

On March 20th, 1922, the USS Langley (CV-1) was commissioned, beginning the era of United States Naval Aviation.

Langley had been converted from the USS Jupiter, a collier vessel. She served as a fleet carrier until April 21st, 1937, when she was converted to a seaplane tender.

On February 27th, 1942, she was severely damaged and rendered dead in the water by Japanese planes. She was scuttled by her escort destroyers to prevent her capture.

[WorldWatcher]

@Safiel

On March 20th, 1922, the USS Langley (CV-1) was commissioned, beginning the era of United States Naval Aviation.

Langley had been converted from the USS Jupiter, a collier vessel. She served as a fleet carrier until April 21st, 1937, when she was converted to a seaplane tender.

On February 27th, 1942, she was severely damaged and rendered dead in the water by Japanese planes. She was scuttled by her escort destroyers to prevent her capture.

And a grand lady she was.

Because she paved the way for the deadliest weaponless aircraft to operate from a carrier deck to be possible.

WW

[Safiel]

@WorldWatcher

And a grand lady she was.

Because she paved the way for the deadliest weaponless aircraft to operate from a carrier deck to be possible.

WW

On November 22, 1922, the first catapult aircraft launch in history occurred from Langley.

[Supreme_War_Pig]

@Safiel

On March 20th, 1922, the USS Langley (CV-1) was commissioned, beginning the era of United States Naval Aviation.

Langley had been converted from the USS Jupiter, a collier vessel. She served as a fleet carrier until April 21st, 1937, when she was converted to a seaplane tender.

On February 27th, 1942, she was severely damaged and rendered dead in the water by Japanese planes. She was scuttled by her escort destroyers to prevent her capture.

Wow. Look how rudimentary it was.

[Safiel]

@Supreme_War_Pig

Wow. Look how rudimentary it was.

Basically, it was just a flight deck built on top of an existing ship.

Here is an interesting photo mashup, showing the evolution of the Essex-class, built for World War II, from primitive to modern carriers.