US Carrier War: Design, Development and Operations

A military history of US aircraft carriers and their service, from World War I to Desert Storm and the conflicts in the Middle East.

This book covers all aspects of the operations made by US aircraft carriers from their introduction into service during World War One to the continuing conflicts in the Middle East. America's part in WW1 saw the deployment of US Navy aircraft operating from coastal bases- mainly Curtiss flying boats. In the immediate post-war period, the first aircraft carriers were commissioned, Langley, Saratoga and Lexington. When in World War Two, the wreckage settled in the mud of Pearl Harbor, US Navy fighters engaged the Japanese for the first time at Wake Is. Japan continues its conquest of the Pacific countries and Islands throughout 1941. The USN then went on the offensive when two carriers attacked the Gilbert-Marshall Islands and the Doolittle raid against Japan was launched from USS Hornet. During the Battle of Coral Sea, the US Navy achieved a significant victory. Meanwhile in the Atlantic, US Carriers including Wasp and Ranger undertook escort duties across Atlantic. The latter also helped with the supply of Spitfires to Malta.

Post WW2 actions included the War in Korea when the US Navy deployed for operations covering combat on both the east and west coasts. During the War over Vietnam USMC and US Navy aircraft were deployed from carriers against targets in North and South Vietnam. Most recent carrier deployments include both Gulf Wars and continuing Middle Eastern conflicts.