US Navy Aircraft Carriers, 1942-45: WWII-Built Ships (New Vanguard)

If you are not familiar with the Osprey New Vanguard series, these are soft-cover books of about 45 pages of text with some photos. These tend to focus on one or more classes of warships within a particular nationality and ship-type. They usually provide a brief history of the design and building of the particular subject, together with modifications within the framework of the book and war-time service.This volume covers only the Independence-class of Light Carriers (CVL) and those ships of the Essex class which were completed during World War II. It does not cover Essex-class ships or other light carriers completed after World War II ended. It also does not cover the extensive modifications of the Essex class ships which occurred after the end of World War II or the conversion of many to the angled deck for operation of jet aircraft.As with all of the titles written by author Mark Stille in this series, the technical information is accurate and understandable.For me the most useful aspect of this particular volume was the somewhat more detailed analysis both of the design and construction of the Independence-class, as well as the wartime service of each vessel. Most biographies of the American fast carriers in World War II only mention the Independence class in a short paragraph and then turn to the Essex class ships.By contrast this volume provided a far greater analysis of the Independence class and concluded that the ships of this class were a good return on the more modest investment in them as compared to the Essex class of vessels.This book is highly recommended.

The U.S. Navy's pre-war carriers took a beating in the opening months of the Second World War in the Pacific, holding the line against the Japan's opening offensive. Fortunately, the Essex class carriers were on their way, larger and more capable. Together with the Independence-class carriers, they would break the back of the Imperial Japanese Navy..."US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1942-45" is an Osprey New Vanguard Series book, authored by Mark Stille and focused on the carriers built after the start of the war (the escort carriers await their own book). The book covers the development of the Essex class and the various improvements that distinguished them from the pre-war aircraft carriers. Purpose-built, they were larger, faster and carried more planes, gas, and ammo. A quick summary of their battle record give a taste of how effective they were.The Independence class aircraft carriers get a relatively brief mention in the narrative. They consisted of cruiser hulls converted into intermediate size aircraft carriers, meant to fill the gap until the majority of the Essex class came out of the yards. If less capable than the Essex class, they certainly seem to have pulled their weight in the war.This is a brief but fascinating book. The text is nicely supported by period photographs, diagrams, and modern illustrations. Well recommended as a highly readable introduction to the topic.

There are a number of photos in the book that I had not seen before, as well as good information on the summaries of the individual ship careers. However, there was a minor error, in that it described CV-31 Bon Homme Richard as the "last of the short hull" Essex's completed during the war. It was the last short hull ship, period. The way it was written created an incorrect impression that some short hull vessels were completed post war, when in fact all of the remaining vessels were of the long hull. Still, I enjoyed it and consider it a good investment.

GOOD BASIS OF STUDY AND UNDERSTANDING!

It is totally inexcusable that escort aircraft carriers of WW II were completely left out of this book. In fact, there are only two (2) instances of escort carriers being passively mentioned in this book. The Casablanca-class escort carriers served admirably during WW II, especially during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. It is completely inexcusable having omitted them from this publication. Even considering the necessity of having to limit information in order to publish an Osprey series book, it is very striking on just how tiny and bereft of information this book truly is. Of the many Osprey books I have purchased, this is by far THE MOST disappointing of them all! Buyer beware.

The book covers the Essex and Independence class of aircraft carriers and provides many details and neat tidbits about them. Mark Stille is obviously one of the most formidable authors when it comes to the subject, and he doesn't disappoint with this book. I am excited to read about his pre-war classes of American aircraft carriers.Highly recommended.

A brief and nice little guide to aircraft carriers of WWII. Doesn't get weighed down with heavy technical aspects of the carriers, but still gives you enough info to stay interested. I would plan on buying a more comprehensive book if you want real technical aspects.

Very useful reference book for model ship builders

Very good

Una semplice, quanto ottima, pubblicazione della Osprey sulle portaerei Americane costruite durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale, tradotta in Italiano, riccamente dotata di foto, disegni, dati, fotografie e fatti storici. Una monografia assolutamente da leggere per appassionati di storia e wargamer.

Excellent. What you expect from Osprey New Vanguard series.