US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1922-45: Prewar classes

Description

The USS Langley, the first American aircraft carrier, entered service in 1922. Despite being converted into an aircraft tender, it was the first step in a new direction for the US Navy and naval warfare. This book covers the design, development and operation of USN aircraft carriers built prior to World War II, including their aircraft and weaponry. It also explains their various successes and losses such as the first carrier vs carrier battle at Midway; the battle of the Coral Sea; the battle of the Philippine Sea; and the Operation Torch landings.

Commander (retired) Mark E Stille served as a career Naval Intelligence Officer, spending over five years of his naval career assigned to various US Navy carriers. He continues to work in this field in a civilian capacity. He holds an MA from the Naval War College and has had several wargames published. This is his second book for Osprey. He lives in Virginia, USA. Tony Bryan is a freelance illustrator with many years' experience. He initially qualified in Engineering and worked for a number of years in Military Research and Development. He has a keen interest in military hardware - armor, small arms, aircraft and ships. Tony has produced many illustrations for partworks, magazines and books, including a number of titles in the New Vanguard series. He is based in Dorset, UK.

"For those who want a concise and descriptive overview of US carriers during the early years of the war and as well as for modelers, this is an excellent book to reference." --Andrew Nguyen, World War II Database (October 2009) "I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Aircraft Carriers. Although not a bible it is a good value for the money." --Rui Matos, Model Shipwrights "From ship origins to design and construction, Navy Aircraft Carriers provides an excellent survery important for any collection strong in Navy weaponry." --The Bookwatch Midwest Book Review