A history of the enduring Essex-class ships, the best and most numerous aircraft carriers of the US Navy during World War II, which were repeatedly modernized and operated with distinction.

The Essex class was the ship class that made the US Navy victorious in the Pacific War. Of the 24 ships completed, 14 participated in battles, making the Essex class the largest class of aircraft carriers ever built. These ships had an excellent balance of offensive power, protection, and speed and were modernized during and after the war. Five distinct programs were carried out, adding not only angled landing decks for jet operations but also repeated upgrades to sensors, weapons, and equipment.

Essex-class aircraft carriers were used in various roles and provided the majority of the US Navy's air power in the Korean War, as well as a significant portion of air power during the Vietnam conflict. However, as "supercarriers" began to enter service in the early 1960s, the Essex class was relegated to secondary roles – only one Essex carrier served until 1991 as a training ship for the US Navy. Using detailed artwork and photographs, this book offers an in-depth view of this significant and enduring ship class and examines its development and modifications, while exploring the many and varied actions in which it participated.

Pages: 48, Year of Publication: 0110, Dimensions: 18.4x18.4cm