Product Description

Dominating the seas during World War II, the US aircraft carrier played a crucial role in every major naval combat of the war.

Development of the Essex class began in 1941, and was the largest class of carrier ever built. During the Pacific War it formed the backbone of any fighting force and became renowned for its mighty 'Sunday Punch' - the impressive offensive power of 36 fighter planes, 36 dive bombers, and 18 torpedo planes.

The Independence class was a lighter and faster carrier, built after Pearl Harbor, to bring more ships into action as quickly as possible. Alongside the Essex class their crews saw a dramatic change in tactical deployment as they began to form the fast carrier task forces that were so effective in Pacific operations.

Featuring an annotated cutaway and artwork detailing both the interior and exterior features of the ships, this book explores the design, development, and deployment of both the Essex and Independence class of light carriers. This sequel to US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1922-45: Prewar classes (New Vanguard 114), provides a detailed exploration of the carriers that were at the forefront of many actions in World War II, including the climatic battles of Phillipine Sea and Leyte Gulf in 1944.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #388054 in Books
• Brand: Osprey Publishing
• Published on: 2007-02-27
• Released on: 2007-02-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781846030376
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"The superlative images in the book are further enhanced by the artwork of Tony Bryan... this is a book that ship fans will just have to have in their libraries and the rest of us will find it an excellent primer on the types." -Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com

About the Author
Commander (retired) Mark O Stille served as a career Naval Intelligence Officer , spending over five years of his naval career assigned to various US Navy carriers. He continues to work in this field in a civilian capacity. He holds an MA from the Naval War College and has had several wargames published. This is his second book for Osprey. He lives in Virginia, USA. The author lives in Virginia, USA.

Customer Reviews

Low-End Reference
Not a bad book, but not a go-to reference. Lacks a lot of the history behind the design and construction of the Essex-class fast carriers. It would be better also if it had more diagrams and photos of inner workings and living spaces aboard these impressive vessels. This is, overall, a very skimpy reference for the price.

US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1942-45: World War Two Built Ships
An adequate overview of the Essex and Independence class carriers. I was hoping for a little more depth since my father flew off of CV17 in Air Group 8. But worth the price.

An excellent survey
Mark Stille's US NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIERS 1942-45 tells of the US Navy's principal weapon against Japan during the Pacific War, following forces, battles, and including artwork detailing ship interior and exterior features. From ship origins to design and construction, NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIERS provides an excellent survey important for any collection strong in Navy weaponry.