World War II US Navy Carrier Classes-And More
This morning I opened up YouTube searching for a video to watch while I exercised on my treadmill. I came across the above video, clocking in at 19:23, and thoroughly enjoyed it. In less than 20 minutes, it gives the viewer an informative overview of the different classes. I enjoyed it.
That made me go to my bookshelves and select four books that might be helpful to those interested in US Carriers and carrier warfare during WWII.
US Aircraft Carriers: An Illustrated Design History, by Norman Friedman
When it comes to carrier design and history, this is my desk reference. Friedman takes a chronological look at the different ship classes. He has numerous appendices on topics such as catapults, design characteristics, and magazines.
Warbirds of the Sea: A History of Aircraft Carriers & Carrier-Based Aircraft, by Walter A. Musciano
Also well researched, Musciano’s book spends more time on the aircraft that flew off the carriers. There are hundreds of photos and diagrams which I’ve found useful.
Aside: If you’re interested in reading about the Essex-class carriers, not mentioned in either of these books is the contribution James Russell made to the design. You can read about him in my blog post, James Russell’s Influences On USS Franklin.
The Fast Carriers: The Forging of an Air Navy, by Clark G. Reynolds
When it comes to World War II carrier strategy, Clark Reynolds is one of the first sources historians turn to. Written in 1968, I’ve seen this book listed in numerous bibliographies. However, because it was written in 1968, one needs to be careful as the scholarship has advanced since then. However, this is an informative book and I recommend it.
Task Force 58: The US Navy’s Fast Carrier Strike Force That Won The War In The Pacific, by Rod MacDonald
The numerous Army and Marine divisions as well as the US Navy’s Submarine Service may take issue with the subtitle, nevertheless, the book is an entertaining and informative read. It’s a very good one-volume history of Task Force 58. It’s unusual in that the author is also an experienced diver and discusses diving on the many wrecks across the Pacific. He also shares many of his pictures, as well.
Did you arrive here via a search engine? I am the author of the forthcoming book, Heroes By The Hundreds: The Story of the USS Franklin (CV-13). In addition to writing about the bravery of the crews that saved her, I write about the lessons we can learn in leadership and decision-making. I’ll also write about the changes the US Navy made because of those lessons learned.
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