What was the first aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy?

The first aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy is the USS Langley. Commissioned in 1922, the USS Langley was originally a collier ship, the USS Jupiter, that was converted to serve as a floating airfield and support the growing need for naval aviation. This conversion marked a significant milestone in naval history, as it established the concept of aircraft carriers as integral components of naval warfare. The USS Langley served primarily in a support role, conducting experiments and operations that would lay the groundwork for future developments in carrier-based operations and tactics within the fleet.

Choosing the USS Langley illustrates a key moment in transitioning naval strategy from traditional battleship dominance to aviation-based tactics that would become pivotal in later conflicts, particularly during World War II.