USS Langley (CV-1): The First American Aircraft Carrier

Ladies and gentlemen, today we take a step back in time to explore a milestone in naval aviation—the birth of the first American aircraft carrier, the USS Langley (CV-1). This ship, once a humble coal cargo vessel, became a revolutionary force in military history, paving the way for modern aircraft carriers.

Originally launched in 1912 as the USS Jupiter (AC-3), a collier designed to transport coal for the U.S. Navy, the ship underwent a groundbreaking transformation in 1920. Recognizing the growing importance of air power, the U.S. Navy converted Jupiter into an experimental aircraft carrier, officially commissioning it as USS Langley on March 20, 1922. Named in honor of aviation pioneer Samuel Pierpont Langley, this vessel would serve as the foundation for America’s future carrier fleet.

The USS Langley was a unique and innovative ship. At 542 feet long, it featured a flat wooden flight deck, allowing aircraft to take off and land at sea for the first time in U.S. Navy history. While it lacked a full hangar deck like later carriers, it was equipped with an experimental aircraft catapult, arresting gear, and even a folding deck to test different aviation techniques. On October 17, 1922, history was made when Lieutenant Virgil C. Griffin piloted a Vought VE-7 biplane off Langley’s

Throughout the 1920s, Langley served as a floating laboratory for carrier operations, training countless naval aviators and testing crucial techniques like deck landings and catapult launches. By 1928, it had become clear that aircraft carriers would play a vital role in naval warfare. The lessons learned from Langley directly influenced the design of future fleet carriers, including the legendary USS Lexington and USS Saratoga.

Although the USS Langley was eventually converted into a seaplane tender in the 1930s, its legacy endured. It was a symbol of innovation, proving that naval aviation was not just a concept but a strategic necessity. In 1942, during World War II, Langley was attacked by Japanese bombers near Indonesia and scuttled to prevent capture.

Though it did not serve in frontline combat as a true fleet carrier, USS Langley played an invaluable role in shaping the future of American naval aviation. From its humble beginnings as a coal transport ship to becoming the first step toward the mighty aircraft carriers of today, Langley remains a testament to vision, adaptability, and progress in military history.