The Centennial Anniversary of the United States Navy Aircraft Carriers
March 20, 2022
When the aircraft carrier USS Langley (CV 1) was commissioned in March 1922, it marked the birth of a new type of seaborne weapon, one that had much to do with making the US Navy a dominant naval power. From Langley and its humble beginnings as a converted collier to today’s USS Gerald R Ford representing the most advanced warfighting platform in the world, the American aircraft carrier has been the mainstay in executing the US Navy’s mission of defending our nation and its interests around the globe. Today’s Nimitz and Ford-class carriers were designed and built through the close partnership of private industry and military expertise, representing the very best in American ingenuity and technological advancements. They are operated by the finest warfighters the world has ever known. Together, the American aircraft carrier and its warfighters represent all that is great about the American spirit. As a result, it is only fitting that we celebrate this historic milestone, to champion the men and women who preserved and advanced the American aircraft carrier for the past 100 years as we look forward to the next century of U.S. Navy dominance on the high seas.
To commemorate the American aircraft carrier and those who have served aboard them for a century, we are producing a publication that will be one element of the recognition this milestone deserves.
We are proudly partnering with Faircount Media Group to produce our Centennial Publication.
Our Partners
Official U.S. Navy Message
The Department of the Navy will recognize the Centennial of United
States Navy Aircraft Carriers (CONAC) in calendar year 2022.
On 20 March 1922, following a two year conversion at Norfolk Naval
Shipyard, the former USS Jupiter (Collier #3) was recommissioned as the
United States Navy’s first aircraft carrier USS Langley (CV 1). Named in
honor of Samuel Pierpont Langley, an American aircraft pioneer and engineer,
CV 1 started as an experimental platform but was quickly proven an invaluable
weapons system that changed how the US Navy fought at sea. In the nearly
100 years since, from CV 1 to CVN 78, aircraft carriers have been the Navy’s
preeminent power projection platform and have served the nations interest in
times of war and peace. With an unequaled ability to provide warfighting
capabilities across the full spectrum of conflict, and to adapt in an ever-
changing world, aircraft carriers, their air wings, and associated strike
groups are the foundation of US maritime strategy.
The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act codified the sense of
Congress that The people of the United States should be encouraged to
celebrate the history of aircraft carriers in the United States and to always
remember the vital role these vessels play in defending the nations freedom.
It is appropriate that during the Centennial of United States Navy Aircraft
Carriers, the Department of the Navy and the American public be afforded the
opportunity to recognize the contributions of aircraft carriers to our
national security and become acquainted with their rich and colorful
heritage. 