Post-War Construction of Essex-Class Aircraft Carriers in the United States Navy
After the colossal effort of World War II, the U.S. Navy sought to transition from the war-time production mode to a more comprehensive defense strategy. One aspect of this transition involved the continued construction and commissioning of aircraft carriers, specifically the Essex-class ships. This article delves into the history and details of post-war aircraft carrier construction, highlighting the specific saga of the last of the Essex-class carriers, USS Oriskany.
Continued Construction During and Post-War
During World War II, the construction of Essex-class aircraft carriers was well underway. Many were still under construction as the war drew to a close, and several were not fully completed until after the war ended. The planning and construction of these carriers continued to be a priority post-war, reflecting the U.S. Navy's continued focus on maintaining a strong naval presence.
The Essex-class carriers were a significant part of the U.S. fleet during the war, but their importance didn't wane after the cessation of hostilities. In total, 32 Essex-class carriers were planned, with 24 successfully completed. This marked a substantial contribution to the naval infrastructure of the U.S. Navy during and after World War II.
USS Oriskany: The Last of the Essex Class
USS Oriskany (CV-34), the last of the Essex-class carriers, was laid down in May 1944, during the peak of the war effort. By the time she was launched in October 1945, less than two months after the end of the war, the nature of naval warfare was already evolving. The Essex-class ships, while still formidable, were at the tail end of their development cycle.
It took nearly five years for USS Oriskany to be fully commissioned, on September 30, 1950. This delay is a testament to the meticulous and extensive nature of commissioning such significant naval vessels. During this period, the world witnessed a significant shift in naval architecture, highlighted by the commissioning of even larger carriers.
The USS Midway: A New Era in Carrier Design
USS Midway (CV-41) was notably commissioned on September 11, 1945, just nine days before USS Oriskany would eventually be completed. Standing at an impressive 1,026 feet long, the USS Midway was significantly larger than the Essex-class carriers. It was a game-changer in carrier design, as it was also the first U.S. aircraft carrier too large to pass through the Panama Canal. This shift not only reflected changes in construction technology but also in naval strategy and the capabilities required to maintain global naval supremacy.
The USS Midway, with its longer hangar and flight deck, and its ability to carry more aircraft, marked a new era in carrier design. It demonstrated the Navy's commitment to embracing new technologies and ship designs to meet the evolving needs of naval warfare. The USS Midway was a significant leap forward and set the stage for future carriers like the Navy's super carriers that followed.
Conclusion
The post-war construction of Essex-class aircraft carriers, especially the delays faced by USS Oriskany, provides insight into the challenges and realities of maintaining and modernizing naval fleets. The commissioning of larger carriers like USS Midway underscores the continuous evolution of naval technology and strategy. These events mark important milestones in the history of the U.S. Navy, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the American maritime forces in the face of geopolitical shifts and technological advancements.
Key Takeaways
Post-War Construction: The U.S. Navy continued to build aircraft carriers, including several Essex-class carriers, after World War II. USS Oriskany: The last of the Essex-class carriers, laid down in 1944 and commissioned in 1950, symbolized a transition in carrier design. USS Midway: Commissioned in 1945, it was a significant step towards larger and more technologically advanced carriers.