Intro
Discover the pioneering history of Americas first aircraft carrier, USS Langley CV-1. Learn about its conversion from a collier, innovative design, and notable achievements in naval aviation. Explore its role in World War I and II, and its legacy as a precursor to modern aircraft carriers, revolutionizing naval warfare with carrier-based aviation.
The USS Langley CV-1, also known as the " Covered Wagon," was a revolutionary naval vessel that marked the beginning of a new era in naval aviation. Commissioned on March 20, 1922, the USS Langley was the United States' first aircraft carrier, paving the way for the development of modern aircraft carriers.
The Birth of the USS Langley
The USS Langley was originally designed as a collier, a coal ship, and was launched on August 14, 1912, as the USS Jupiter (AC-3). However, with the outbreak of World War I, the US Navy began to explore the possibility of converting the Jupiter into an aircraft carrier. The idea was met with skepticism, but eventually, the Navy decided to proceed with the conversion.
The Conversion Process
The conversion of the USS Jupiter into an aircraft carrier was a complex and challenging process. The ship's coal bunkers were removed, and a flat, wooden flight deck was installed. The ship's superstructure was also modified to accommodate the aircraft and their crews.
The USS Langley was equipped with a unique system of tracks and pulleys that allowed aircraft to be lifted from the hangar deck to the flight deck. This system, known as the "covered wagon" system, allowed aircraft to be stored and maintained on the hangar deck, while also providing a means of launching and recovering aircraft from the flight deck.
The First Aircraft Carrier
On March 20, 1922, the USS Langley was commissioned as the United States' first aircraft carrier. The ship was equipped with a crew of 468 officers and men, and a complement of 24 aircraft, including VE-7 biplanes and Martin SC-1s.
The USS Langley's first commanding officer, Commander Kenneth Whiting, was a pioneer in naval aviation. Whiting had previously served as the commanding officer of the USS Wright (AV-1), a seaplane tender that had been used to test the feasibility of aircraft operations from a ship at sea.
Early Operations
The USS Langley's early operations were marked by a series of experiments and tests designed to determine the feasibility of aircraft operations from a ship at sea. The ship's crew worked tirelessly to develop and refine the techniques and procedures necessary for successful aircraft operations.
On October 17, 1922, the USS Langley achieved a major milestone when Lieutenant Commander Virgil Griffin became the first pilot to take off from the ship's flight deck. The successful takeoff marked the beginning of a new era in naval aviation, and paved the way for the development of modern aircraft carriers.
The Legacy of the USS Langley
The USS Langley played a significant role in the development of modern aircraft carriers. The ship's innovative design and pioneering spirit paved the way for the development of larger, more advanced aircraft carriers.
The USS Langley also played a key role in the development of naval aviation tactics and procedures. The ship's crew worked tirelessly to develop and refine the techniques and procedures necessary for successful aircraft operations, and their efforts paid off in the form of numerous successful operations and exercises.
Decommissioning and Service in World War II
The USS Langley was decommissioned on October 26, 1936, and was converted into a seaplane tender. The ship served in this capacity throughout World War II, and played a significant role in numerous operations and exercises.
The USS Langley was eventually sunk by Japanese aircraft on February 27, 1942, while serving as a transport ship. The ship's legacy, however, lives on in the form of the modern aircraft carriers that followed in her footsteps.
Gallery of USS Langley CV-1 Images
USS Langley CV-1 Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the USS Langley's original purpose?
+The USS Langley was originally designed as a collier, a coal ship.
When was the USS Langley commissioned as an aircraft carrier?
+The USS Langley was commissioned as an aircraft carrier on March 20, 1922.
What was the USS Langley's role in World War II?
+The USS Langley served as a seaplane tender and transport ship during World War II.
In conclusion, the USS Langley CV-1 was a groundbreaking naval vessel that played a significant role in the development of modern aircraft carriers. The ship's innovative design and pioneering spirit paved the way for the development of larger, more advanced aircraft carriers, and its legacy continues to be felt today.