List of aircraft carriers

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Countries currently operating fixed-wing aircraft carriers (10)
Countries currently operating solely helicopter carriers (6)
Historical operators of carriers (3) Countries who are currently, or have in the past, operated aircraft carriers.png
  Countries currently operating fixed-wing aircraft carriers (10)
  Countries currently operating solely helicopter carriers (6)
  Historical operators of carriers (3)
Various aircraft carriers from around the world Aircraft carriers of 2007 except US. carriers.jpg
Various aircraft carriers from around the world
Four modern aircraft carriers of various types; USS John C. Stennis (United States Navy), Charles de Gaulle (French Navy), USS John F. Kennedy (US Navy), HMS Ocean (Royal Navy) and escort vessels, 2002 Fleet 5 nations.jpg
Four modern aircraft carriers of various types; USS John C. Stennis (United States Navy), Charles de Gaulle (French Navy), USS John F. Kennedy (US Navy), HMS Ocean (Royal Navy) and escort vessels, 2002
Bow view of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) underway on 8 April 2017.JPG
Bow view of the US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford, lead ship of her class, the largest carrier in the world.
HMS QueenElizabeth RO8-2.jpg
HMS Queen Elizabeth, the newest and largest aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy.

This list of aircraft carriers contains aircraft carriers listed alphabetically by name. An aircraft carrier is a warship with a full-length flight deck and facilities for carrying, arming, deploying, and recovering aircraft, that serves as a seagoing airbase.

Contents

Included in this list are ships which meet the above definition and had an official name (italicized) or designation (non-italicized), regardless of whether they were or were not ordered, laid down, completed, or commissioned.

Not included in this list are the following:

"In commission" denotes the period that the ship was officially in commission with the given name for the given country as an aircraft carrier as defined above.

Numbers of aircraft carriers by country

The table below does not include submarine aircraft carriers, seaplane tenders, escort carriers, merchant aircraft carriers, helicopter carriers, or amphibious assault ships
The total includes ships under construction, but not ships that never got past the planning stage.
Number of fleet aircraft carriers by operating nation
CountryIn serviceDecommissionedUnder constructionNever completedTotal
Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 0200 2
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia 0300 3
Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 02002
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada 0300 3
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 2010 3
Flag of France.svg France 1707 15
Flag of Germany.svg Germany 0007 7
Flag of India.svg India 2210 5
Flag of Italy.svg Italy 2012 5
Flag of Japan.svg Japan 22004 26
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands 0400 4
Flag of Russia.svg Russia 1402 7
Flag of Spain.svg Spain 1201 4
Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand 1000 1
Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey 1000 1
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom 241011 54
Flag of the United States.svg United States 115531281
Total26145646223

List of countries that have operated aircraft carriers

Argentina

Retired:

Australia

Retired:

Brazil

Retired:

Canada

Retired:

China

Active:

Under construction:

Planned:

France

Active:

Planned:

Retired:

Never completed:

Germany

Never completed:

The two planned Italian carriers Aquila and Sparviero were seized by the Germans after the Italian Armistice but not completed.

India

Active:

Planned:

Retired:

Italy

Active:

Under construction:

Never completed:

Japan

Active: [11] [12] [13]

Retired:

Sunk:

Hōshō, Jun'yō, Katsuragi, and Ryūhō survived the war. These were scrapped by 1948.

Never completed:

Netherlands

Retired:

Russia (& USSR)

The Russian Navy was established in December 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union (USSR), most Soviet aircraft carriers were transferred over to Russia (with the exception of Varyag which was transferred to Ukraine. Ulyanovsk was scrapped before the Soviet Union was dissolved).

Active:

Retired:

Never completed:

Spain

Active:

Retired:

Never completed:

Thailand

Role changed:

Turkey

Active:

United Kingdom

Active:

Retired:

Sunk:

Never completed:

United States

The United States Navy is a blue-water navy that is the world's largest navy by tonnage and has the world's largest fleet of nuclear powered aircraft carriers. The carrier fleet currently comprises the (CATOBAR) Nimitz-class and (CATOBAR/ EMALS) Gerald R. Ford-class supercarriers. These carriers serve as the centerpieces and flagships for the Navy's Carrier Strike Groups, with their embarked carrier air wings and accompanying ships and submarines, which strongly contribute to the US ability to project force around the globe. The following is a complete list of all the US Navy's carriers and classes to date, and their status:

Active

Under construction

Planned

Reserve

Retired (preserved as museum ships)

Retired (other)

Retired (scrapped)

Sunk († scuttled)

Cancelled before completion

Escort aircraft carrier

The United States Navy also had a sizable fleet of escort aircraft carriers during World War II and the era that followed. These ships were both quicker and cheaper to build than larger fleet carriers and were built in great numbers to serve as a stop-gap measure when fleet carriers were too few. However, they were usually too slow to keep up with naval task forces and would typically be assigned to amphibious operations, often seen in the Pacific war's island hopping campaign, or to convoy protection in the war in the Atlantic. To that end, many of these ships were transferred to the Royal Navy as part of the US-UK lend-lease program. While some of these ships were kept for a time in reserve after the war, none survive today, as they have all since been sunk or retired and scrapped. The following are the classes and stand-alone ships of the US Navy's escort carriers;

Amphibious assault ship

The United States Navy also has several full-deck, amphibious assault ships, which are larger than many of the aircraft carriers of other navies today. [20] These ships are STOVL-capable and can carry full squadrons of fixed-wing aircraft, such as the V/STOL AV-8B Harrier II and the STOVL F-35 Lightning II, along with numerous rotary-wing aircraft. Their primary purpose though, is usually to serve as the centerpiece and flagship for an Expeditionary Strike Group or Amphibious Ready Group, carrying US Marine Corps Expeditionary Units and their equipment close to shore for amphibious landings and departures. The following are ships and classes of US Navy amphibious assault ships;

Active

Under construction

Planned

Retired

List of all aircraft carriers

NameServicePennant
or hull #
ClassTypeFlight operationIn commissionNotes
Abraham Lincoln Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 1989–present
Acavus Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MAC 1 Rapana Merchant aircraft carrier 1943–1946 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service.
Activity Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D94 Escort carrier 1942–1945Converted freighter.
Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Gorshkov Naval Ensign of Russia.svg  Russian Navy
Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy
111 Kiev Fleet carrier VTOL 1987–1996Also known as Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov, Admiral Gorshkov, or just Gorshkov. Before 1991, it was named Baku. To India as Vikramaditya 2004.
Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov Naval Ensign of Russia.svg  Russian Navy
Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy
063/113 Kuznetsov Fleet carrier STOBAR 1991–presentAlso known as Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov, Admiral Kuznetsov, or just Kuznetsov. Ex-Tbilisi.
Admiralty Islands Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946ex-Chapin Bay.
Adula Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MAC 2 Rapana Merchant aircraft carrier1944–1946 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service.
Africa Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Audacious/
Malta
Fleet carrier CATOBAR Audacious-class carrier ordered 1943, changed to Malta-class carrier 1944, cancelled 1945.
Akagi Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Akagi Fleet carrier STOBAR 1927–1942Converted Amagi-class battlecruiser, Sunk 4 June 1942 at Midway
Alava BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Roi 1943 before construction began.
Alazon BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Casablanca 1943 after construction began.
Alazon BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Lunga Point 1943 before construction began.
Albion Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R07 Centaur Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1954–1962Converted to commando carrier.
Alexia Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MAC 3 Rapana Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
Alikula BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Coral Sea before launch.
Alikula BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Bismarck Sea 1944 after launch.
Altamaha Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1942 [notes 3] Became HMS Battler.
Altamaha Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1946
Amagi Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Akagi Fleet carrier STOBAR 1920–22 conversion from battlecruiser never completed.
Amagi Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Unryū Light fleet carrier STOBAR 1944–1945Sunk 29 July 1945 by aircraft
Amastra Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MAC 4 Rapana Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1946 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
AmeerFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy AVG-55 Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Alazon Bay 1943 after construction began.
Ameer Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D01 Ruler Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Baffins.
America Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-66 Kitty Hawk Supercarrier CATOBAR 1965–1996
Ancylus Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MAC 5 Rapana Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1946 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
Andrea Doria Naval Ensign of Italy.svg  Italian Navy 550Aircraft carrierRenamed Cavour before construction began.
Anguilla BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Salamaua 1943 before construction began.
Antietam Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-36 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1945–19631st carrier modified with angled flight deck, 1952.
Anzio Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-USS Coral Sea, renamed to reuse name for CV-43.
Aquila Naval Ensign of Italy.svg  Italian Navy Fleet carrier1941–1943 conversion from passenger liner never completed.
Arbiter Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D31 Ruler Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS St. Simon.
Archer Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy BAVG-1 Long Island Escort carrier [notes 3] Converted cargo ship. Became HMS Archer.
Archer Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D78 Long Island Escort carrier1941–1943 [notes 4] Ex-USS Archer.
Argus Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy I49Fleet carrier1918–1929Converted ocean liner.
Ark Royal Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Fleet carrier1939–1941Sunk by U-81 on 13 November 1941
Ark Royal Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R09 Audacious Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1955–1978Ex-Irresistible. First carrier commissioned with angled deck.
Ark Royal Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R07 Invincible Aircraft carrier STOVL 1985–2011Ex-Indomitable.
ArrogantNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Centaur Light carrier CATOBAR Laid down 1944, never completed.
Arromanches Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy R95 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1946–1974Ex-HMS Colossus, loaned (later sold) to France
Aso Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Unryū Light fleet carrier STOBAR Launched in 1944, never completed.
Astrolabe BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Guadalcanal 1943 before launch.
Astrolabe BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Hollandia 1944 after launch.
Atheling Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D51 Ruler Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Glacier.
Attacker Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D02 Attacker Escort carrier1942–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Barnes.
Attu Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Elbour Bay.
AudaciousNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R05 Audacious Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1951–1972Renamed Eagle 1946 while under construction.
Audacity Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D10Escort carrier1941–1941Converted merchant ship, sunk by U-751
Auguilla BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Corregidor1943 before launch.
AvengerFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy BAVG-1 Avenger Escort carrier [notes 3] Became HMS Avenger.
Avenger Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D14 Avenger Escort carrier1942–1942 [notes 5] Sunk 15 November 1942 by U-155.
Badoeng Strait Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1957Ex-San Alberto Bay.
Baffins Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Ameer.
Bairoko Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-115 Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1955Ex-Portage Bay.
Baku Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy 103 Kiev Aircraft cruiser VTOL 1987–1991Renamed to Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Gorshkov in 1991.
BalinasFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-36 Bogue Escort carrierRenamed Bolinas after launch because of misspelling.
Barnes Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1942 [notes 3] Became HMS Attacker.
Barnes Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1946
Bastian Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1942 [notes 3] Became HMS Trumpeter.
Bastogne Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-124 Commencement Bay Escort carrierLaid down 1945, cancelled before launch
Bataan Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrier1943–1954
Battler Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D18 Attacker Escort carrier1942–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Altamaha.
BAVG-5Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy BAVG-5 Charger Escort carrier [notes 5] Became HMS Dasher.
Béarn Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy Fleet carrier1927–1948Converted battleship.
Begum Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D38 Ruler Escort carrier1944–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Bolinas.
Belleau Wood Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrier1943–1947To France as Bois Belleau
Bennington Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-20 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1970
Bismarck Sea Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1945Ex-Alikula Bay. Sunk 21 February 1945 by kamikaze attack off Iwo Jima
BiterFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy BAVG-23 Avenger Escort carrier [notes 5] Became HMS Biter.
Biter Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D97 Avenger Escort carrier1940–1945 [notes 5] To France as Dixmude
Block Island Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier [notes 3] Converted freighter. Became HMS Trailer, then HMS Hunter.
Block Island Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1944Sunk 29 May 1944 by U-549
Block Island Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-106 Commencement Bay Escort carrier1944–1954Ex-Sunset Bay (some sources say Sunset).
Bogue Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1946
Bois Belleau Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy R97 Independence Light carrier1953–1960Ex-USS Belleau Wood.
Bolinas Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943Ex-Balinas. [notes 3] Became HMS Begum.
Bon Homme RichardFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-10 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Renamed Yorktown 1942 before launch.
Bon Homme Richard Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-31 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1971
Bonaventure Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Canadian Navy CVL-22 Majestic Light carrier CATOBAR 1957–1970Ex-incomplete HMS Powerful.
Bougainville Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Didrickson Bay.
Boxer Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-21 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1945–1969
Breton Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Chaser
Breton Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946
Bucareli BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Manila Bay 1943 before launch.
Bucareli BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Kwajalein 1944 before launch.
Bulwark Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R08 Centaur Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1954–1981Converted to commando carrier 1960
Bunker Hill Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-17 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1943–1947
CabotFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-16 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Renamed Lexington 1942 before launch.
Cabot Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrier1943–1955To Spain as Dédalo
Campania Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D48 Nairana Escort carrier1944–1952Command ship for first British atomic bomb test
Cape Esperance Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1959Ex-Tananek Bay.
Cape Gloucester Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1946Ex-Willapa Bay.
Card Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1946
Carl Vinson Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 1982–present
Carnegie Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Empress.
Casablanca Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946Ex-Alazon Bay.
Cavour Naval Ensign of Italy.svg  Italian Navy 550Aircraft carrier V/STOL 2008–presentEx-Andrea Doria.
Centaur Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R06 Centaur Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1953–1965
Chakri Naruebet Flag of the Royal Thai Navy.svg  Thai Navy 911 Príncipe de Asturias Aircraft carrier STOVL 1997–present
Chapin BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Midway 1943 after construction began.
Chapin BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Admiralty Islands before construction began.
Charger Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Charger Escort carrier1942–1946Converted liner. Became HMS Charger 1942, returned to US two days later.
Charger Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D27 Avenger Escort carrier1942–1942Ex-Charger. Returned to US two days later.
Charles de Gaulle Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy R91Fleet carrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 2001–presentex-Richelieu
Chaser Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D32 Attacker Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Breton.
Chatham Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Slinger.
Chenango Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Sangamon Escort carrier1942–1946Converted oiler.
Chigusa Maru War flag of the Imperial Japanese Army (1868-1945).svg  Japanese Army Yamashio Maru Escort carrier STOBAR 1944 tanker conversion, never completed.
Chitose Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Chitose Light carrier1942–1944Converted seaplane tender. Sunk 25 October 1944 off Leyte Gulf.
Chiyoda Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Chitose Light carrier STOBAR 1943–1944Converted seaplane tender. Sunk 25 October 1944 off Leyte Gulf.
Chūyō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Taiyō Escort carrier STOBAR 1942–1943Converted ocean liner, sunk by USS Sailfish 4 December 1943
Clemenceau Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy R98 Clemenceau Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1961–1997
Colossus Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R15 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Loaned (later sold) to France as Arromanches
Commencement Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1944–1946Ex-St. Joseph Bay.
Constellation Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-64 Kitty Hawk Supercarrier CATOBAR 1961–2003
Copahee Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1946
Coral Sea Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1944Ex-Alikula Bay. Renamed Anzio to re-use the name for CV-43.
Coral Sea Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Midway Fleet carrier1947–1990
Cordova Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Khedive.
Core Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1946
Corregidor Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1958Ex-Auguilla Bay.
Courageous Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Courageous Fleet carrier1928–1939Converted battlecruiser. Sunk by U-29, 17 September 1939
Cowpens Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrier1943–1947
Croatan Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Fencer
Croatan Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946
Crown PointFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-32 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Renamed Leyte 1945 before launch.
CV-44Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-44 Midway Fleet carrierNever laid down, cancelled 1943.
CV-50Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-50 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Never laid down, cancelled 1945.
CV-51Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-51 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Never laid down, cancelled 1945.
CV-52Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-52 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Never laid down, cancelled 1945.
CV-53Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-53 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Never laid down, cancelled 1945.
CV-54Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-54 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Never laid down, cancelled 1945.
CV-55Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-55 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Never laid down, cancelled 1945.
CVB-56Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Midway Fleet carrierNever laid down, cancelled 1945.
CVB-57Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Midway Fleet carrierNever laid down, cancelled 1945.
CVE-128Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-128 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 after construction began.
CVE-129Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-129 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 after construction began.
CVE-130Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-130 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
CVE-131Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-131 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
CVE-132Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-132 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
CVE-133Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-133 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
CVE-134Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-134 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
CVE-135Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-135 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
CVE-136Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-136 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
CVE-137Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-137 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
CVE-138Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-138 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
CVE-139Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-139 Commencement Bay Escort carrierCancelled 1945 before construction began.
Daiju MaruWar flag of the Imperial Japanese Army (1868-1945).svg  Japanese Army Shimane Maru Escort carrier STOBAR Tanker conversion. Cancelled 1945.
Dasher Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D37 Avenger Escort carrier1942–1943 [notes 5] Ex-American BAVG-5. Sunk 27 March 1943 following explosion of unknown cause.
Dédalo Flag of Spain.svg  Spanish Navy Independence Light carrier1967–1989Ex-USS Cabot.
Delgada Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Speaker.
Didrickson BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Tripoli 1943 before launch.
Didrickson BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Bougainville before construction began.
Dixmude Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy Charger Escort carrier1945–1966Ex-HMS Biter.
Dolomi BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Wake Island 1943 before launch.
Dolomi BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Matanikau 1944 before launch.
Duke of EdinburghNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy CVA-01 Fleet carrier CATOBAR Planned 1960s fleet carrier, but never ordered.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 1977–present
Eagle Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Fleet carrier1924–1942Converted battleship. Sunk by U-73, 11 August 1942
EagleNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Audacious Fleet carrier CATOBAR Laid down 1944, cancelled 1946.
Eagle Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R05 Audacious Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1951–1972Ex-Audacious.
Edisto Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Nabob.
ElbeWar ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Jade Auxiliary aircraft carrierLiner conversion, cancelled 1943.
Elbour BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed White Plains 1943 before launch.
Elbour BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Attu before construction began.
ElephantNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Centaur Light carrier CATOBAR Laid down 1944, not completed until 1959 as HMS Hermes.
Emperor Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D98 Ruler Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Pybus.
EmperorFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Nassuk Bay 1943 after construction began.
Empire MacAlpine Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MH Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 6] Returned to commercial service
Empire MacAndrew Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MK Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 6] Returned to commercial service
Empire MacCabe Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy ML Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
Empire MacCallum Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MN Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 6] Returned to commercial service
Empire MacColl Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MB Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
Empire MacDermott Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MS Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1944–1945 [notes 6] Returned to commercial service
Empire MacKay Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MH Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
Empire MacKendrick Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MO Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 6] Returned to commercial service
Empire MacMahon Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MJ Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
Empire MacRae Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MU Empire Merchant aircraft carrier1943–1945 [notes 6] Returned to commercial service
Empress Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D42 Ruler Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Carnegie.
Eniwetok Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierKeel laid April 1945, cancelled before launch
Enterprise Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Yorktown Fleet carrier1938–1947
Enterprise Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Enterprise Supercarrier [notes 1] 1961–2012First nuclear-powered carrier
Enterprise Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Gerald R. Ford Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR Commissioning 2025.
Essex Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1942–1969
Estero Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Premier.
Falco Naval Ensign of Italy.svg  Italian Navy Aircraft carrierLiner conversion began 1942. Renamed Sparviero but never completed.
Fanshaw Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946
Fencer Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D64 Attacker Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Croatan.
Flugzeugträger B War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Graf Zeppelin Fleet carrierStarted 1938, cancelled 1939. Proposed name was Peter Strasser.
Flugzeugträger CWar ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Graf Zeppelin Fleet carrierCancelled 1938 before construction began.
Flugzeugträger DWar ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Graf Zeppelin Fleet carrierCancelled 1938 before construction began.
Foch Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy R99 Clemenceau Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1963–2000sold to Brazil as São Paulo
Formidable Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Illustrious Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1940–1947
Forrestal Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-59 Forrestal Supercarrier CATOBAR 1955–1993First supercarrier
Fortaleza BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Ex-Fortazela Bay. Renamed Tulagi 1943 before launch.
Fortazela BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Fortaleza Bay 1943 before launch due to spelling error.
Franklin Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-13 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1947Badly damaged March 1945
Franklin D. Roosevelt Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Midway Fleet carrier1945–1977
Frosty BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Siboney 1944 before launch.
Furious Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Courageous Fleet carrier1925–1945Converted battlecruiser.
Gadila Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Dutch Merchant Navy MAC 6 Rapana Merchant aircraft carrier1944–1946 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
Gambier Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1944Sunk by Japanese gunfire at Battle of Leyte Gulf 25 October 1944
George H.W. Bush Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 2009–present
George Washington Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 1992–present
Gerald R. Ford Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Gerald R. Ford Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 2017–presentIn-service
Gibraltar Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D68 Malta Fleet carrier CATOBAR Ordered 1943 but never laid down.
Gilbert Islands Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1955Ex-St. Andrews Bay. Converted to communication relay ship USS Annapolis
Giuseppe Garibaldi Naval Ensign of Italy.svg  Italian Navy 551Aircraft carrier STOVL 1983–present
Glacier Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Atheling.
Glorious Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Courageous Fleet carrier1930–1940Converted battlecruiser. Sunk by Scharnhorst and Gneisenau 8 June 1940
Glory Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R62 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1943–1956
Graf Zeppelin War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Graf Zeppelin Fleet carrierLaunched 1938, never completed.
Guadalcanal Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946Ex-Astrolabe Bay. Captured U-505
Hamlin Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1942 [notes 3] Became HMS Stalker
HancockFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-14 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Renamed Ticonderoga 1943 before launch.
Hancock Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-19 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1976Ex-Ticonderoga (CV-19).
Harry S. Truman Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 1998–presentEx-United States
Hercules Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R49 Majestic Light fleet carrier CATOBAR / STOVL Launched 1945. To India 1957 and completed as INS Vikrant.
Hermes Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Fleet carrier CATOBAR / STOBAR 1924–1942First purpose built carrier launched. Sunk 9 April 1942 by Japanese aircraft.
HermesNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Centaur Light carrier CATOBAR Laid down 1944, cancelled 1945.
Hermes Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R12 Centaur Fleet carrier CATOBAR / STOVL 1959–1984Ex-Elephant. To India as INS Viraat
Hiryū Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Fleet carrier STOBAR 1939–1942Sunk at Midway
Hiyō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Hiyō Fleet carrier STOBAR 1942–1944Converted ocean liner, sunk at Battle of the Philippine Sea
Hobart BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Puget Sound 1944 before launch.
Hoggatt Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Hollandia Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1947Ex-Astrolabe Bay.
Hornet Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Yorktown Fleet carrier1941–1942Sunk in Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.
Hornet Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-12 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1943–1970Ex-Kearsarge (CV-12). Museum at Alameda, CA.
Hōshō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Fleet carrier STOBAR 1922–1946
Hunter Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D80 Attacker Escort carrier1943–1945 [notes 4] Ex-USS Block Island. Renamed from HMS Trailer.
Ibuki Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Light carrier STOBAR Launched 1943, never completed.
IWar ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Auxiliary aircraft carrierTransport conversion, cancelled 1942.
IIWar ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Auxiliary aircraft carrierCruiser conversion, cancelled 1943.
Ikoma Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Unryū Light carrier STOBAR 1944–1945Sunk in Kure dockyard 24 July 1945
Illustrious Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Illustrious Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1940–1954
Illustrious Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R06 Invincible Aircraft carrier STOVL 1982–2014
Implacable Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R86 Implacable Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1954
Indefatigable Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R10 Implacable Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Independence Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrier1943–1946
Independence Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-62 Forrestal Supercarrier CATOBAR 1959–1998
Independencia Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentine Navy V-1 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1958–1970Ex-HMS Warrior
Indomitable Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Illustrious Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1941–1953
IndomitableNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R07 Invincible Aircraft carrier STOVL Renamed Ark Royal before construction began.
Intrepid Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-11 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1943–1974Museum in New York City.
Invincible Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R05 Invincible Aircraft carrier STOVL 1980–2005
IrresitibleNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R09 Audacious Fleet carrier CATOBAR Renamed Ark Royal before launch.
Iwo Jima Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-46 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Laid down 1945, but never completed.
Izumo Naval Ensign of Japan.svg  Japan Maritime Self-defense Force DDH-183 Izumo Aircraft carrier STOVL 2015–presentAnnounced conversion from multi-purpose destroyer in 2018
JadeWar ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Jade Auxiliary aircraft carrierProposed liner conversion, cancelled 1942.
Jamaica Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Shah.
Joffre Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy Joffre Fleet carrierUnder construction 1938–1940, but never completed.
John C. Stennis Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 1995–present
John F. Kennedy Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-67Modified Kitty Hawk/John F. KennedySupercarrier CATOBAR 1968–2007
John F. Kennedy Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Gerald R. Ford Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR Under construction, planned commissioning 2024
Juan Carlos I Flag of Spain.svg  Spanish Navy L61 Juan Carlos I STOVL amphibious warfare ship STOVL 2010–present
Jun'yō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Hiyō Fleet carrier STOBAR 1942–1946Converted ocean liner.
Kadashan Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Kaga Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Fleet carrier STOBAR 1928–1942Converted battleship. Sunk at Midway
Kaga Naval Ensign of Japan.svg  Japan Maritime Self-defense Force DDH–184 Izumo Aircraft carrier STOVL 2017–presentAnnounced conversion from multi-purpose destroyer in 2018
KaimonNaval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Unryū Light carrierCancelled 1944 before construction began. Also known as Kurama.
Kaita BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Savo Island 1943 before launch.
Kaiyō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Escort carrier STOBAR 1943–1945Converted ocean liner. Sunk at Beppu Bay 24 July 1945.
Kalinin Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946
Kanalku BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Marcus Island 1943 before launch.
Karel Doorman Naval Jack of the Netherlands.svg  Dutch Navy QH1 Nairana Escort carrier1946–1948Ex-HMS Nairana.
Karel Doorman Naval Jack of the Netherlands.svg  Dutch Navy R81 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1948–1968Ex-HMS Venerable. To Argentina as Veinticinco de Mayo 1969.
Kasaan Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946
Kasagi Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Unryū Light carrierLaunched 1944, but never completed.
Katsuragi Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Unryū Fleet carrierLaunched 1944, but never completed.
KearsargeFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-12 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Renamed Hornet 1942 before launch.
Kearsarge Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-33 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1946–1970
Keweenaw Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Patroller.
Khedive Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D62 Ruler Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Cordova.
Kiev Naval Ensign of Russia.svg  Russian Navy
Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy
075 Kiev Aircraft carrier VTOL 1975–1993Currently an attraction at Tianjin Binhai theme park in China
Kitkun Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946
Kitty Hawk Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-63 Kitty Hawk Supercarrier CATOBAR 1961–2009
Kremlin Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Ulyanovsk SupercarrierRenamed Ulyanovsk before construction began, never completed.
Kula Gulf Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1969Ex-Vermillion Bay.
KuramaNaval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Unryū Light carrierCancelled 1944 before construction began. Also known as Kaimon.
Kwajalein Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Bucareli Bay.
La Fayette Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy R96 Independence Light carrier1951–1963Ex-USS Langley.
Lake Champlain Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-39 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1945–1966
Langley Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Light carrier1922–1938Converted to seaplane tender. Scuttled 27 February 1942 after being damaged by dive bombers.
Langley Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrier1943–1947To France as La Fayette.
Leonid Brezhnev Naval Ensign of Russia.svg  Russian Navy Kuznetsov Fleet carrierEx-Riga. Renamed Tbilisi after launch in 1985.
LeviathanNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R97 Majestic Light carrier CATOBAR Launched 1945, but never completed.
Lexington Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Lexington Fleet carrier1927–1942Sunk by enemy action on 8 May 1942 during Battle of the Coral Sea.
Lexington Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-16 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1943–1991Ex-Cabot (CV-16). Museum ship in Corpus Christi, Texas
Leyte Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-32 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1946–1959Ex-Crown Point (CV-32).
Liaoning Naval ensign of China.svg  Chinese Navy Type 001 Aircraft carrier STOBAR 2012–presentEx-incomplete Varyag from Ukraine 1998.
Lingayen Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierLaid down 1945, but never completed.
Liscome Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1943Sunk by I-175 24 November 1943
Long Island Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Long Island Escort carrier1941–1946
Luigi Einaudi Naval Ensign of Italy.svg  Italian Navy 550Aircraft carrier STOVL Renamed Andrea Doria before construction began.
Lunga Point Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Alazon Bay.
Macoma Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Dutch Merchant Navy MAC 7 Rapana Merchant aircraft carrier1944–1946 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
MagnificentNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy Majestic Light carrier CATOBAR Completed for Canada as HMCS Magnificent. Returned to UK 1956.
Magnificent Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Canadian Navy CVL-21 Majestic Light carrier CATOBAR 1948–1956Ex-HMS Magnificent. Returned to UK 1956.
Majestic Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R77 Majestic Light carrier CATOBAR Completed for Australia as HMAS Melbourne.
Makassar Strait Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Ulitaka Bay.
Makin Island Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Woodcliff Bay.
Malta Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D93 Malta Fleet carrier CATOBAR Ordered 1943 but never laid down.
Manila Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946Ex-Bucareli Bay.
Marcus Island Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Kanalku Bay.
Matanikau Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Dolomi Bay.
McClureFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrierRenamed Prince 1942 before construction began.
Melbourne Naval Ensign of Australia.svg  Royal Australian Navy R21 Majestic Light carrier CATOBAR 1955–1982ex-HMS Majestic completed for Royal Australian Navy.
Midway Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Ex-Chapin Bay. Renamed USS St. Lo to free name for CV-41
Midway Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Midway Fleet carrier1945–1992Museum in San Diego, CA
Minas Gerais Flag of the Brazilian Navy.svg  Brazilian Navy A11 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1960–2001 [notes 7]
Mindoro Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1955
Minsk Naval Ensign of Russia.svg  Russian Navy
Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy
025/011 Kiev Aircraft carrier VTOL 1978–1993Currently a tourist attraction in Shenzhen, China.
Miralda Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  British Merchant Navy MAC 8 Rapana Merchant aircraft carrier1944–1946 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
Mission Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1958
MonmouthNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy 96 Centaur Light carrier CATOBAR Never laid down, cancelled 1945.
Monterey Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrier1943–1956
Mosser BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Willamette after launch.
Munda Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Tonowek Bay.
Nabob Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D77 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1944 [notes 4] Ex-USS Edisto. Canadian crew.
Nairana Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D05 Nairana Escort carrier1943–1946To Netherlands as HNLMS Karel Doorman
Nassau Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1942–1946
Nassuk BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Ex-Emperor. Renamed Solomons 1943 after launch.
Natoma Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946
Nehenta Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
New Zealand Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D43 Malta Fleet carrier CATOBAR Ordered 1943 but never laid down.
Niantic Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Ranee.
Nimitz Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 1975–present
Novorossiysk Naval Ensign of Russia.svg  Russian Navy
Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy
137 Kiev Aircraft carrier VTOL 1982–1993
Ocean Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R68 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1945–1960
Okinawa Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierLaid down 1945, cancelled before launch
Ommaney Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1945Sunk by kamikaze aircraft 4 January 1945.
OriskanyFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-18 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Renamed Wasp 1943 before launch.
Oriskany Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-34 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1950–1975Florida artificial reef in 2006.
Otakisan MaruWar flag of the Imperial Japanese Army (1868-1945).svg  Japanese Army Shimane Maru Escort carrierTanker conversion. Launched 1945 but never completed.
Painlevé Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy Joffre Fleet carrierPlanned for 1938, never laid down
Palau Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1946–1954
Patroller Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D07 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1947 [notes 4] Ex-USS Keweenaw.
Perdido Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1944 [notes 3] Became HMS Trouncer.
Peter StrasserWar ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Graf Zeppelin Fleet carrierSee Flugzeugträger B.
Petrof Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Philippine Sea Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-47 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1946–1958
Point Cruz Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1956Ex-Trocadero Bay.
PolyphemusNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy 57 Centaur Light carrier CATOBAR Never laid down, cancelled 1945.
Portage BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-115 Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Bairoko before construction began.
Powerful Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R95 Majestic Light carrier CATOBAR Completed for Canada as HMCS Bonaventure
Premier Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D23 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Estero.
Pretoria Castle Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy F61Escort carrier1943–1946Converted armed merchant cruiser.
Prince Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier [notes 3] Ex-McClure. Became HMS Rajah.
Prince of Wales Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R09 Queen Elizabeth Supercarrier STOVL 2019–presentCommissioned 10 December 2019
Prince William Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Striker
Prince William Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946
Princeton Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrier1943–1944Sunk 24 October 1944 at Leyte Gulf
Princeton Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-37 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1945–1970
Principe de Asturias Flag of Spain.svg  Spanish Navy R-11 Príncipe de Asturias Aircraft carrier STOVL 1988–2013
Puget Sound Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1946Ex-Hobart Bay.
Puncher Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D79 Bogue Escort carrier1944–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Willapa. Canadian crew.
Pursuer Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D73 Bogue Escort carrier1942–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS St. George.
Pybus Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 3] Became HMS Emperor.
Queen Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D19 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1947 [notes 4] Ex-USS St. Andrews.
Queen ElizabethNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy CVA-01 Fleet carrier CATOBAR Announced 1963, cancelled 1966 before work started.
Queen Elizabeth Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R08 Queen Elizabeth Supercarrier STOVL 2017–presentCommissioned 7 December 2017
Rabaul Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierCompleted but never commissioned.
Rajah Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D10 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1947 [notes 4] Ex-USS Prince.
Randolph Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-15 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1969
Ranee Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D03 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1947 [notes 4] Ex-USS Niantic.
Ranger Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Fleet carrier1934–1946
Ranger Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-61 Forrestal Supercarrier CATOBAR 1957–1993
Rapana Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy MAC 9 Rapana Merchant aircraft carrier1942–1946 [notes 2] Returned to commercial service
Ravager Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D70 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4]
Reaper Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D82 Bogue Escort carrier1944–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Winjah.
Rendova Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1955Ex-Willamette.
ReprisalFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrierRenamed San Jacinto 1942 before launch.
Reprisal Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-35 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Started 1944, cancelled 1945.
RichelieuCivil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy Fleet carrier [notes 1] Renamed Charles De Gaulle before construction began.
Richelieu (PA2)Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy Modified Queen Elizabeth Supercarrier CATOBAR Cancelled 2013 before construction began.
Riga Naval Ensign of Russia.svg  Russian Navy Kuznetsov Fleet carrierRenamed Leonid Brezhnev after construction began in 1982.
Riga Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Kuznetsov Aircraft carrierRenamed to Varyag in 1990 after construction began.
Roi Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Alava Bay.
Ronald Reagan Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 2003–present
Rudyerd Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Ruler Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D72 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS St. Joseph.
Ryūhō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Light carrier1942–1945Converted submarine tender. Severely damage by aircraft March 1945 not repaired
Ryūjō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Light carrier1933–1942Sunk by aircraft during Battle of the Eastern Solomons
Sable Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy IX-81Training carrier1943–1945Converted paddle-wheel steamer.
Saginaw Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Saidor Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1947Ex-Saltery Bay.
Saipan Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Saipan Light carrier1946–1965
Salamaua Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Anguilla Bay.
Salerno Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1954Ex-Winjah Bay.
Saltery BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Saidor 1944 before construction began.
San Alberto BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Badoeng Strait before construction began.
San Jacinto Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Independence Light carrier1943–1947Ex-Reprisal (CVL-30).
Sandy BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Sicily 1944 before construction began.
Sangamon Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Sangamon Escort carrier1942–1945Converted oiler.
Santee Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Sangamon Escort carrier1942–1946Converted oiler.
São Paulo Flag of the Brazilian Navy.svg  Brazilian Navy A12 Clemenceau Fleet carrier CATOBAR 2000–2017Ex-Foch.
Saratoga Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Lexington Fleet carrier1927–1946Expended as a target ship in the 1946 Bikini atomic bomb tests.
Saratoga Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-60 Forrestal Supercarrier CATOBAR 1956–1994
Sargent Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Savo Island Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946Ex-Kaita Bay.
Searcher Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D40 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1945 [notes 4]
Shah Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D21 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Jamaica.
Shamrock Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Shandong Naval ensign of China.svg  Chinese Navy Type 002 Aircraft carrier STOBAR 2019–presentFirst domestically built Chinese aircraft carrier.
Shangri-La Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-38 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1971
Shimane Maru War flag of the Imperial Japanese Army (1868-1945).svg  Japanese Army Shimane Maru Escort carrier1945–1945Tanker conversion. Sunk by British aircraft.
Shinano Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Fleet carrier1944–1944Converted Yamato-class battleship. Sunk by USS Archerfish 29 November 1944.
Shin'yō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Escort carrier1943–1944Converted ocean liner, sunk by USS Spadefish on 17 November 1944.
Shipley Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Shōhō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Zuihō Light carrier1941–1942Sunk by aircraft at Coral Sea
Shōkaku Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Shōkaku Fleet carrier1941–1944Sunk by USS Cavalla 19 June 1944
Siboney Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1956Ex-Frosty Bay.
Sicily Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1954Ex-Sandy Bay.
Sitkoh Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
1950–1954
Slinger Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D26 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Chatham.
Smiter Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D55 Bogue Escort carrier1944–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Vermillion.
Solomons Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946Ex-Nassuk Bay.
Sōryū Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Fleet carrier1937–1942Sunk at Midway 4 June 1942
Sparviero Naval Ensign of Italy.svg  Italian Navy Aircraft carrierEx-Falco, never completed.
Speaker Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D90 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Delgada.
St. Andrews Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier [notes 3] Became HMS Queen.
St. Andrews BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Gilbert Islands 1944 before launch.
St. George Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier [notes 3] Became HMS Pursuer
St. Joseph Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier [notes 3] Became HMS Ruler.
St. Joseph BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Commencement Bay 1944 after launch.
St. Lo Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1944Ex-USS Midway, renamed to use name for CV-41. Sunk by kamikaze aircraft 25 October 1944.
St. Simon Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier [notes 3] Became HMS Arbiter.
Stalker Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D91 Bogue Escort carrier1942–1945 [notes 4] Ex-USS Hamlin.
Steamer Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1947
Striker Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D12 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] ex-USS Prince William.
Sunset Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier [notes 3] Became HMS Thane.
Sunset BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CVE-106 Commencement Bay Escort carrierSome sources say the name was Sunset. Renamed Block Island 1944 before launch.
Suwannee Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Sangamon Escort carrier1942–1946Converted oiler.
Sydney Naval Ensign of Australia.svg  Royal Australian Navy R17 Majestic Light carrier CATOBAR 1948–1958ex-HMS Terrible completed for Royal Australian Navy.
Taihō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Taihō Fleet carrier1944–1944Sunk in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 June 1944
Taisha MaruWar flag of the Imperial Japanese Army (1868-1945).svg  Japanese Army Shimane Maru Escort carrierProposed tanker conversion. Cancelled 1944.
Taiyō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Taiyō Escort carrier1941–1944Converted ocean liner. Sunk by USS Rasher 18 August 1944
Takanis Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1946
Tananek BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Cape Esperance 1943 before construction began.
Tarawa Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-40 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1945–1960
Tbilisi Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy 113 Kuznetsov Aircraft cruiserex-Leonid Brezhnev. Renamed Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Sozuya Kuznetzov 1990.
Terrible Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R93 Majestic Light carrier CATOBAR Completed for Australia as HMAS Sydney.
Thane Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D48 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1945 [notes 4] Ex-USS Sunset.
Theodore Roosevelt Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR 1986–present
Theseus Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R64 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1946–1956
Thetis Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1964
TiconderogaFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-19 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR Renamed Hancock 1943 before launch.
Ticonderoga Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-14 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1944–1973Ex-Hancock (CV-14).
Tinian Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierCompleted 1946, but never commissioned
Tonowek BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Munda 1943 before construction began.
Totem BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Vella Gulf 1944 before launch.
Tracker Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D24 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4]
TrailerNaval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D80 Attacker Escort carrier1943–1943 [notes 4] Ex-USS Block Island. Renamed to HMS Hunter 1943.
Tripoli Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1958Ex-Didrickson Bay.
Triumph Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R16 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1946–1975
Trocadero BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Point Cruz 1944 before construction began.
Trouncer Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D85 Bogue Escort carrier1944–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Perdido.
Trumpeter Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D09 Bogue Escort carrier1943–1946 [notes 4] Ex-USS Bastian.
Tulagi Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946Ex-Fortaleza Bay.
Fujian Naval ensign of China.svg  Chinese Navy Type 003 Supercarrier CATOBAR Fitting out. Planned for commission in 2023.
Type 004 Naval ensign of China.svg  Chinese Navy Type 004 Supercarrier CATOBAR Under preliminary stages of construction. Planned for commission by late 2020s.
Ulitaka BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Makassar Strait 1943 before construction began.
Ulyanovsk Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Ulyanovsk Supercarrier CATOBAR Ex-Kremlin. Under construction 1988–1991, never completed.
Unicorn Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy I72Light aircraft carrier,
Aircraft repair ship
1943–1946, 1949–1953
United States Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy United States Supercarrier CATOBAR Laid down 18 April 1949, cancelled five days later.
United StatesFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Nimitz Supercarrier [notes 1] CATOBAR Renamed Harry S. Truman 1992 after launch.
Unryū Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Unryū Fleet carrier1944–1944Sunk by USS Redfish on 19 December 1944
Un'yō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Taiyō Escort carrier1942–1944Sunk by USS Barb 17 September 1944
Valley Forge Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-45 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1946–1970
Varyag Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union (1950-1991).svg  Soviet Navy Kuznetsov Aircraft carrierEx-Riga. To Ukraine 1992 while still under construction. Construction cancelled 1995. To China as Liaoning 1998.
Veinticinco de Mayo Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentine Navy V-2 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1968–1997Ex-Dutch Karel Doorman (R81) 1969.
Vella Gulf Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrier1945–1946Ex-Totem Bay.
Venerable Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R63 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1945–1947To Netherlands as Karel Doorman 1948.
Vengeance Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R71 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1945–1952 [notes 7]
Vengeance Naval Ensign of Australia.svg  Royal Australian Navy R71 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1952–1955 [notes 7] On loan from the Royal Navy
Verdun Civil and Naval Ensign of France.svg  French Navy Attack carrierNever laid down, cancelled 1961
Vermillion Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier [notes 3] Became HMS Smiter.
Vermillion BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Kula Gulf 1943 before construction began.
Victorious Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R38 Illustrious Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1941–1968
Vikramaditya Naval Ensign of India.svg  Indian Navy R33 Kiev Aircraft carrier STOBAR 2013–presentex-Russian Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Suzuya Gorshkov .
Vikrant Naval Ensign of India.svg  Indian Navy R11 Majestic Light fleet carrier CATOBAR / STOVL 1961–1997Ex-HMS Hercules completed for India.
Vikrant Naval Ensign of India.svg  Indian Navy IAC-IAircraft carrier STOBAR Commissioned in 2022
Vindex Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy D15 Nairana Escort carrier1943–1947
Viraat Naval Ensign of India.svg  Indian Navy R22 Centaur Fleet carrier STOVL 1987–2017ex-HMS Hermes.
Vishal Naval Ensign of India.svg  Indian Navy IAC-II Supercarrier Planned. Scheduled to commission in 2025.
Wake Island Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946Ex-Dolomi Bay.
Warrior Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Canadian Navy R31 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1946–1948Ex-HMS Warrior. Returned to UK.
Warrior Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg  Royal Navy R31 Colossus Light fleet carrier CATOBAR 1945–1946, 1948–1958To Canada as HMCS Warrior. Returned to UK and thence to Argentina as Independencia.
Wasp Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Wasp Light carrier1940–1942Sunk 15 September 1942.
Wasp Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-18 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1943–1972Ex-Oriskany.
Weser War ensign of Germany (1938-1945).svg  German Navy Aircraft carrier1942–1943 cruiser conversion, never completed.
White Plains Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1943–1946Ex-Elbour Bay.
WillametteFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierEx-Mosser Bay. Renamed Rendova at commissioning.
Willapa Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier1943–1944 [notes 3] Became HMS Puncher.
Willapa BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Cape Gloucester 1944 after construction began.
Windham Bay Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR 1944–1959
Winjah Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Bogue Escort carrier [notes 3] Became HMS Reaper.
Winjah BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Commencement Bay Escort carrierRenamed Salerno Bay 1943 before construction began.
Wolverine Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy IX-64Training carrier1942–1945Converted paddle-wheel steamer.
Woodcliff BayFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Casablanca Escort carrier CATOBAR Renamed Makin Island 1943 before construction began.
Wright Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Saipan Light carrier1947–1970
Yamashiro Maru War flag of the Imperial Japanese Army (1868-1945).svg  Japanese Army Yamashiro Maru Escort carrier1945–1945Tanker conversion. Sunk by aircraft 17 February 1945
Yorktown Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy Yorktown Aircraft carrier1937–1942Sunk 7 June 1942 at Midway after air and sub attacks.
Yorktown Flag of the United States Navy (official).svg  US Navy CV-10 Essex Fleet carrier CATOBAR 1943–1970Ex-Bon Homme Richard. Museum at Mount Pleasant, SC
Zuihō Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Zuihō Light carrier1940–1944Converted oiler, sunk by aircraft at Leyte Gulf 25 October 1944
Zuikaku Naval ensign of the Empire of Japan.svg  Japanese Navy Shōkaku Fleet carrier1941–1944Sunk by aircraft at Leyte Gulf 25 October 1944
Zuiun MaruWar flag of the Imperial Japanese Army (1868-1945).svg  Japanese Army Yamashiro Maru Escort carrier1945 tanker conversion, never completed.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aircraft carrier</span> Warship that serves as a seagoing airbase

An aircraft carrier is a warship that serves as a seagoing airbase, equipped with a full-length flight deck and facilities for carrying, arming, deploying, and recovering aircraft. Typically, it is the capital ship of a fleet, as it allows a naval force to project air power worldwide without depending on local bases for staging aircraft operations. Carriers have evolved since their inception in the early twentieth century from wooden vessels used to deploy balloons to nuclear-powered warships that carry numerous fighters, strike aircraft, helicopters, and other types of aircraft. While heavier aircraft such as fixed-wing gunships and bombers have been launched from aircraft carriers, these aircraft have not landed on a carrier. By its diplomatic and tactical power, its mobility, its autonomy and the variety of its means, the aircraft carrier is often the centerpiece of modern combat fleets. Tactically or even strategically, it replaced the battleship in the role of flagship of a fleet. One of its great advantages is that, by sailing in international waters, it does not interfere with any territorial sovereignty and thus obviates the need for overflight authorizations from third-party countries, reduces the times and transit distances of aircraft and therefore significantly increases the time of availability on the combat zone.

The escort carrier or escort aircraft carrier, also called a "jeep carrier" or "baby flattop" in the United States Navy (USN) or "Woolworth Carrier" by the Royal Navy, was a small and slower type of aircraft carrier used by the Royal Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy, the United States Navy, the Imperial Japanese Navy and Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in World War II. They were typically half the length and a third the displacement of larger fleet carriers, more-lightly armed and armored, and carried fewer planes. Escort carriers were most often built upon a commercial ship hull, so they were cheaper and could be built quickly. This was their principal advantage as they could be completed in greater numbers as a stop-gap when fleet carriers were scarce. However, the lack of protection made escort carriers particularly vulnerable, and several were sunk with great loss of life. The light carrier was a similar concept to the escort carrier in most respects, but was fast enough to operate alongside fleet carriers.

<i>Casablanca</i>-class escort carrier Aircraft carrier class of the US Navy

The Casablanca-class escort carrier was a series of escort carriers constructed for the United States Navy during World War II. They are the most numerous class of aircraft carriers ever built. Fifty were laid down, launched and commissioned within the space of less than two years – 3 November 1942 through to 8 July 1944. Despite their numbers, and the preservation of more famous and larger carriers as museums, none of these modest ships survive today. Five were lost to enemy action during World War II and the remainder were scrapped.

Brazilian aircraft carrier <i>Minas Gerais</i> 1960–2001 Colossus-class aircraft carrier of the Brazilian Navy

NAeL Minas Gerais was a Colossus-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Marinha do Brasil from 1960 until 2001. The ship was laid down for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy during World War II as HMS Vengeance, was completed shortly before the war's end, and did not see combat. After stints as a training vessel and Arctic research ship, the carrier was loaned to the Royal Australian Navy from 1952 to 1955. She was returned to the British, who sold her to Brazil in 1956.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Light aircraft carrier</span> Aircraft carrier that is smaller than the standard carriers of a navy

A light aircraft carrier, or light fleet carrier, is an aircraft carrier smaller than the standard carriers of a navy. The precise definition of the type varies by country; light carriers typically have a complement of aircraft only one-half to two-thirds the size of a full-sized fleet carrier. A light carrier was similar in concept to an escort carrier in most respects, however light carriers were intended for higher speeds to be deployed alongside fleet carriers, while escort carriers usually defended equally slow convoys and provided air support during amphibious operations.

<i>Centaur</i>-class aircraft carrier Royal Navy aircraft carrier class

The Centaur class aircraft carrier was the final iteration of the 1942 Design Light Fleet Carrier developed by the United Kingdom for the Royal Navy during the Second World War. They were designed in 1943 to operate higher-performance aircraft than the preceding Majestic-class aircraft carrier. Four ships were laid down in 1944-1945 and completed in 1953-1959. Rapid developments in carrier warfare and technology overtook the ships even as they were under construction, and the associated costs of modernization led to ships being completed to different specifications. Only the last ship, HMS Hermes (R12), was fitted as a modern fixed-wing carrier; she was also the last of the class to retire in 2017 as INS Viraat.

1942 Design Light Fleet Carrier 1940s class of aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy

The 1942 Design Light Fleet Carrier, commonly referred to as the British Light Fleet Carrier, was a light aircraft carrier design created by the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and used by eight naval forces between 1944 and 2001. They were designed and constructed by civilian shipyards to serve as an intermediate step between the expensive, full-size fleet aircraft carriers and the less expensive but limited-capability escort carriers.

<i>Tiger</i>-class cruiser Class of British light cruisers

The Tiger class were a class of three British warships of the 20th century and the last all-gun cruisers of the Royal Navy. Construction of three Minotaur-class cruisers began during World War II but, due to post-war austerity, the Korean War and focus on the Royal Air Force over the surface fleet, the hulls remained unfinished. Against a background of changing priorities and financial constraints, approval to complete them to a modified design was given in November 1954 and the three ships – Tiger, Lion and Blake – entered service from March 1959.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Landing platform helicopter</span> Hull classification used by a number of the worlds navies

Landing platform helicopter (LPH) is a term used by some navies to denote a type of amphibious warfare ship designed primarily to operate as a launch and recovery platform for helicopters and other VTOL aircraft. As such, they are considered a type of helicopter carrier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Landing helicopter assault</span> Amphibious assault ship that can carry helicopters

Landing helicopter assault (LHA) is the United States Navy's hull classification symbol for the general-purpose helicopter-carrying amphibious assault ships of the Tarawa and America classes.

The names of commissioned ships of the United States Navy all start with USS, for United States Ship. Non-commissioned, primarily civilian-crewed vessels of the U.S. Navy under the Military Sealift Command have names that begin with USNS, standing for United States Naval Ship. A letter-based hull classification symbol is used to designate a vessel's type. The names of ships are selected by the Secretary of the Navy. The names are those of states, cities, towns, important persons, important locations, famous battles, fish, and ideals. Usually, different types of ships have names originated from different types of sources.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anti-submarine warfare carrier</span>

An anti-submarine warfare carrier is a type of small aircraft carrier whose primary role is as the nucleus of an anti-submarine warfare hunter-killer group. This type of ship came into existence during the Cold War as a development of the escort carriers used in the ASW role in the North Atlantic during World War II.

Sea Control Ship Concept aircraft carrier

The Sea Control Ship (SCS) was a small aircraft carrier developed and conceptualized by the United States Navy under Chief of Naval Operations Elmo Zumwalt during the 1970s. Currently the term refers to naval vessels that can perform similar duties. The SCS was intended as an escort vessel, providing air support for convoys. It was canceled after budgetary cuts to the US Navy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Helicopter carrier</span> Type of aircraft carrier

A helicopter carrier is a type of aircraft carrier whose primary purpose is to operate helicopters. It has a large flight deck that occupies a substantial part of the deck, which can extend the full length of the ship like HMS Ocean of the Royal Navy (RN), or extend only partway, usually aft, as in the Soviet Navy's Moskva class or in the Chinese Navy's Type 0891A. It often also has a hangar deck for the storage of aircraft.

<i>America</i>-class amphibious assault ship Amphibious Assault Ship

The America class is a ship class of landing helicopter assault (LHA) type amphibious assault ships of the United States Navy (USN). The class is designed to put ashore a Marine Expeditionary Unit using helicopters and MV-22B Osprey V/STOL transport aircraft, supported by AV-8B Harrier II or F-35 Lightning II V/STOL aircraft and various attack helicopters. The first of these warships was commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 2014 to replace USS Peleliu of the Tarawa class; as many as eleven will be built. The design of the America class is based on that of USS Makin Island, the last ship of the Wasp class, but the "Flight 0" ships of the America class will not have well decks, and have smaller on-board hospitals to provide more space for aviation uses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Expeditionary strike group</span> Organizational unit within the US Navy

In the United States Navy, the expeditionary strike group (ESG) is a coordinated group of surface ships, aircraft, submarines, and other naval assets. In contrast to carrier strike groups (CSGs), which emphasize air power and are led by a supercarrier, ESGs are strongly suited for amphibious warfare and are led by an amphibious assault ship. The ESG concept was introduced in the early 1990s, based on the Naval Expeditionary Task Force. The U.S. Navy fields nine expeditionary strike groups.

USS <i>America</i> (LHA-6) America-class amphibious assault ship

USS America (LHA-6), is an amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy and the lead ship of the America-class amphibious assault ship. The fourth U.S. warship to be named for the United States of America, she was delivered in spring of 2014, replacing Peleliu of the Tarawa class. Her mission is to act as the flagship of an expeditionary strike group or amphibious ready group, carrying part of a Marine expeditionary unit into battle and putting them ashore with helicopters and V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, supported by F-35B Lightning II aircraft and helicopter gunships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amphibious assault ship</span> Type of warship used in amphibious assaults

An amphibious assault ship is a type of amphibious warfare ship employed to land and support ground forces on enemy territory during an amphibious assault. The design evolved from aircraft carriers converted for use as helicopter carriers. Modern designs support amphibious landing craft, with most designs including a well deck. Like the aircraft carriers they were developed from, some amphibious assault ships also support V/STOL fixed-wing aircraft and have a secondary role as aircraft carriers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline for aircraft carrier service</span>

Aircraft carriers have their origins during the days of World War I. The earliest experiments consisted of fitting temporary "flying off" platforms to the gun turrets of the warships of several nations, notably the United States and the United Kingdom. The first ship to be modified with a permanent flight deck was the battlecruiser HMS Furious, which initially had a single flying-off deck forward of the original superstructure. Subsequently, she was modified with a separate "landing on" deck aft and later with a full flush deck. Other ships, often liners, were modified to have full flush flight decks, HMS Argus being the first to have such modification begun. Those first faltering steps gave little indication of just how important the aircraft carrier was to prove to be. During the inter-war years, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States built up significant carrier fleets so that by the beginning of World War II, they had 18 carriers between them. The 1940 Battle of Taranto and 1941 Attack on Pearl Harbor in retrospect showed the world that the aircraft carrier was to be the most important ship in the modern fleet. Today, aircraft carriers are the capital ships of the navies they serve in, and in the case of modern US "supercarriers", they embark an air group that is effectively a small air force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the aircraft carrier</span> Aspect of naval history

Aircraft carriers are warships that evolved from balloon-carrying wooden vessels into nuclear-powered vessels carrying many dozens of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Since their introduction they have allowed naval forces to project air power great distances without having to depend on local bases for staging aircraft operations.

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Nuclear-powered.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Converted oil tanker with deck but no hangar or lifts, active as merchant ship. Aircraft stored on deck.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Transferred to the United Kingdom under the Lend Lease program. Returned to the US after World War II ended.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Transferred from the United States under the Lend Lease program. Returned to the US after World War II ended.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Transferred from the United States under the Lend Lease program.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Converted Grain carrier with added deck and hangar, still carried cargo but reduced capacity.
  7. 1 2 3 HMS Vengeance loaned to Australia from 1952 to 1956 as HMAS Vengeance, sold to Brazil 1956 as Minas Gerais.

Citations

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  3. 1 2 "French WW1 ASW vessels". naval encyclopedia. 16 May 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  4. 1 2 Carl Dreessen: "Die deutsche Flottenrüstung." Mittler & Sohn. Hamburg 2000. p. 101
  5. 1 2 Gröner 1990 , p. 74
  6. Gardiner, Robert (1984). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships, 1922-1946. Naval Institute Press. ISBN   9780870219139.
  7. "INS Vikrant to be ready by 2018, says Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan". India Today . 28 May 2015. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  8. Suciu, Peter (28 July 2022). "INS Vikrant: India's New Aircraft Carrier Has Arrived". 19FortyFive. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  9. "Navy's Dream of Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier Suffers a Hit; BARC Says it Will Take 15-20 Years". India.com . 27 October 2017. Archived from the original on 9 May 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  10. "Multirole Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD)". Fincantieri.com. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  11. Lockie, Alex. "Japan unveiled new plans for an F-35 aircraft carrier – and it's a Chinese navy killer". Business Insider. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  12. Sutton, H. I. "Japan To Get First Aircraft Carriers Since World War II". Forbes. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  13. Yoshida, Reiji (23 May 2019). "Japan's plan to remodel Izumo-class carriers: Needed upgrade or mere show of force?". The Japan Times Online. ISSN   0447-5763 . Retrieved 27 December 2019.
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  15. Carpenter, William M.; Wiencek, David G. (2000). Asian Security Handbook. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe. p. 302. ISBN   978-0-76560-714-0.
  16. "Uçak Gemisi Olan Ülkeleri Öğrenelim". 2020 Güncel Bilgi (in Turkish). 23 November 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  17. Tayfun, Ozberk (28 February 2022). "Turkey's future LHD Anadolu Starts Sea Trials". Naval News. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
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  19. Hobbs, David (2013). British Aircraft Carriers: Design, Development and Service Histories. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. p. 215. ISBN   978-1-84832-138-0.
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Bibliography

Further reading