Essex-Class Aircraft Carriers 1945–91 (New Vanguard) (Paperback)
Other Books in Series
- #109: Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carriers 1921–45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #116: US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1922–45: Prewar classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #130: US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1942–45: WWII-built ships (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #135: Imperial Japanese Navy Submarines 1941–45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #146: Imperial Japanese Navy Battleships 1941-45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #176: Imperial Japanese Navy Heavy Cruisers 1941–45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #182: Italian Battleships of World War II (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #187: Imperial Japanese Navy Light Cruisers 1941–45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #198: Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (1): Minekaze to Shiratsuyu Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #202: Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919–45 (2): Asashio to Tachibana Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #210: US Heavy Cruisers 1941–45: Pre-war Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #214: US Heavy Cruisers 1943–75: Wartime and Post-war Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #220: US Standard-type Battleships 1941–45 (1): Nevada, Pennsylvania and New Mexico Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #229: US Standard-type Battleships 1941–45 (2): Tennessee, Colorado and Unbuilt Classes (New Vanguard) (Paperback): $19.00
- #232: The Imperial Japanese Navy of the Russo-Japanese War (New Vanguard #232) (Paperback): $19.00
- #236: US Navy Light Cruisers 1941–45 (New Vanguard #236) (Paperback): $19.00
Description
A history of the enduring Essex-class ships, the US Navy's finest and most numerous fleet carrier during World War II, which were modernized repeatedly and served with distinction.
The Essex class was the USN's war-winning ship class of the Pacific War. Of the 24 ships completed, 14 saw action, making the Essex class the largest class of fleet aircraft carriers ever built. These ships had a fine balance of striking power, protection, and speed and were modernized during and after the war. There were five distinct programs carried out, adding not only angled flight decks for jet operations, but repeated upgrades to sensors, weapons, and equipment.
Essex-class carriers were used in a number of roles and provided the vast majority of US Navy air power in the Korean War, and a sizeable proportion of air power in the Vietnam conflict. However, as the “super carriers” began to enter service in the early 1960s, the Essex class was relegated to secondary roles– a single Essex carrier served until 1991 as the US Navy's training carrier. Using detailed artwork and photos, this book provides an in-depth portrait of this important and enduring class of ship, and looks at its development and modifications while considering the many and varied actions it took part in.
About the Author
Mark Stille is the author of numerous Osprey titles focusing on naval history in the Pacific. He recently concluded a nearly 40-year career in the intelligence community, including tours on the faculty of the Naval War College, on the Joint Staff and on US Navy ships. He received his BA in History from the University of Maryland and also holds an MA from the Naval War College.
Adam Tooby is an internationally renowned digital artist and illustrator. His work can be found in publications worldwide and as box art for model aircraft kits. He also runs a successful illustration studio and aviation prints business. He is based in Cheshire, UK. To buy artwork, or contact the artist, visit http://www.adamtooby.com/.