The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy's most advanced aircraft carrier, departed Virginia on June 24, 2025, likely to position itself near the Middle East amid escalating tensions, including U.S. bombings of Iranian nuclear installations and Iranian retaliations. Aircraft carriers have evolved significantly since the early 20th century, becoming crucial in projecting air power. Their historical significance heightened notably during WWII. Notable ships like the USS Enterprise and Essex-class carriers played key roles in U.S. naval operations. A comprehensive archive lists 33 aircraft carriers from the Navy's early history, detailing commission dates and service durations.
The U.S. Navy's most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, departed Virginia on June 24, 2025, likely positioning itself near the Middle East amid rising tensions.
From the time these boats were first conceptualized in the early 20th century to now, aircraft carriers have helped naval forces launch (and recover) planes.
Their distinct history demonstrates how the Navy has continually redefined nautical warfare since World War II, which is when the importance of these ships became evident.
Using archives from the U.S. Navy and other sources, 24/7 Wall St. listed all 33 aircraft carriers from our Navy's early history, including when they were commissioned and how long they remained in service.
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