Which ship is designated CV1?

The designation CV1 refers to the USS Langley, which was the first aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1922, the USS Langley served primarily as a testbed for the development of carrier aviation. It underwent significant modifications to accommodate aircraft and was instrumental in the transition from traditional naval warfare to modern naval aviation tactics.

The importance of the USS Langley as CV1 lies in its pioneering role in establishing the aircraft carrier concept within the Navy, leading to the development of larger, more capable carriers in later years. The success of the Langley set the stage for other carriers and fundamentally changed the nature of naval operations, allowing for the launch and recovery of aircraft at sea.

While other ships like the USS Lexington, USS Saratoga, and USS Ranger played crucial roles in naval history and were significant aircraft carriers, they were not the first and thus do not hold the CV1 designation. The USS Langley stands out for its historical significance, making it the correct answer.