Since World War II, the U.S. Navy's carriers have been the national force of choice. In over 80% of the times when the World was faced with international violence, the United States has responded with one or more carrier task forces. Over the past 25 years, requirements for USN carrier forces to be on station to respond to a crisis have increased.

The Aircraft Carrier

• Why the aircraft carrier
• Carriers — Powerhouse of the Fleet
• Rainbow Wardrobe — the colors worn by flight deck personnel
• Aircraft Carriers — Navy Fact File page
• The list of all U.S. Navy carriers
• Aircraft Carriers — Digital Images
• The Aircraft Carrier — A Brief Illustrated History
• Part I - The Early Years
• The Escort ("Jeep") Carriers
• Part II - World War II
• World War II - 1941-1942
• World War II - 1943
• World War II - 1944-1945
• Part III - Post War
• Part IV - Korea and the 1950s
• Part V - Space and Vietnam
• [more to come]

Return to the U.S. Navy web site's Welcome Page.