Monday, May 30, 2016

A Look at Some of Hampton Road's Most Famous Ships-- Part 3: The First Aircraft Carrier

Aircraft Carrier No. 1.  It was converted from a collier at Norfolk Naval Yard and became the USS Langley (CV-1).  It was anchored in the James River when a Vought biplane piloted by Lt. V.C. Griffin made the Navy's first-ever takeoff from a ship on October 17, 1922.

The first purpose-built aircraft carrier launched at Newport News in 1933, the USS Ranger (CV-4).  It was the first U.S. Navy ship designed from the keel up as an aircraft carrier.  Its island feature established the distinctive profile of all carriers that followed.

--DaCootShip

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