Scot MacDonald

Evolution of Aircraft Carriers Scot MacDonald

Since February, 1962, a series of articles has appeared in Naval Aviation News under the title "Evolution of Aircraft Carriers." They measure up as an authentic, earnest attempt to chronicle a history of carriers since the mobile airfield idea was initially conceived. Here, under these covers, are the entire contents of those articles. This does not comprise a complete history of carriers - that history is still being written in seas around the world. This collection, based on information gathered from many office sources, provides an interesting account of how and why the carrier developed as it did. It is the story behind the perhaps better known tale of carrier operations. It is the story of change - change dictated by operational necessity and by technological progress. It is also the story of how naval constructors took full advantage of technological progress, and the lessons learned of operational experience to solve the Navy's unique problem of taking aviation to sea. As a result of their efforts and the constant improvement of tactics necessary to weld seas and air power together, the aircraft carrier stands today at the forefront of Naval power, ready and able to defend the nation and to project national interests to all parts of the world.