Essex Class Aircraft Carriers 1943-1991

Although none of the U.S. Navy’s seven aircraft carriers were at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, only two – Saratoga in the Pacific and Ranger in the Atlantic – were operational a year later. Fortunately, the production of what was to become the Essex-class of large carriers was already in progress. These ships – 17 commissioned by the end of World War II and seven more completed after – became the backbone of the Allies’ campaign in the Pacific. Essex-class carriers soldiered on for more than 40 years with many receiving angled decks to handle jets and served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

That long service makes these carriers popular with modelers which makes Leo Marriott’s Essex Class Aircraft Carriers 1943-1991 especially attractive. Part of Pen & Sword’s Images of War series, the 176-page softcover is filled with hundreds of photos that trace this important series of ships from inception and commissioning through the Pacific War, Korea, the space program, and Vietnam. There are images of many of the aircraft that served aboard them over the years as well as defensive weapons and other equipment. Modelers will find information about specific carriers as well as inspiration for both ship and aircraft builds.