Learning Pearl Harbor: What Is an Aircraft Carrier?

On December 7, 1941, as Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, three notable U.S. Navy ships were absent: the USS Enterprise (CV-6), USS Lexington (CV-2), and USS Saratoga (CV-3). These aircraft carriers, powerful symbols of naval aviation, played a pivotal role in World War II. But what exactly are aircraft carriers, and how did their absence impact the events of that fateful day?

An aircraft carrier is a massive warship designed to serve as a floating airbase. Its flat, expansive deck allows planes to take off and land far from traditional airstrips, giving navies the ability to project air power across vast distances. During World War II, aircraft carriers became indispensable, revolutionizing naval warfare and shifting the focus from battleships to air superiority at sea.
The Imperial Japanese Navy’s successful attack on Pearl Harbor relied heavily on their carriers. Without them, Japan’s planes couldn’t have crossed the Pacific Ocean’s 4,000-mile expanse to reach Hawaii.

The history of aircraft carriers dates back to the early 20th century. Inspired by the Wright brothers’ first successful flight, naval engineers began exploring the concept of launching and landing planes on ships.
In 1910, Eugene Burton Ely became the first person to take off from a ship’s deck, flying from the USS Birmingham (CS-2). Just months later, he successfully landed on the USS Pennsylvania (ACR-4). These groundbreaking achievements paved the way for naval aviation.
By 1914, Japan’s Imperial Navy joined the innovation race, launching its first ship-based air raid. In 1918, the British Royal Navy introduced the HMS Argus, the first ship specifically designed for aircraft operations. Initially, aircraft carriers were often converted from other ship types, such as cruisers or battlecruisers, due to restrictions imposed by the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty.
For the U.S. Navy, the Lexington-class carriers marked an early milestone, while Japan developed carriers like the Akagi, which would later play a crucial role in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

During World War II, aircraft carriers emerged as game-changers in naval strategy. Their ability to launch airstrikes from the sea made them pivotal in battles across the Pacific theater.
One of the earliest demonstrations of carrier power came in 1940 when HMS Illustrious conducted a long-range strike against the Italian fleet. The United States showcased its carrier strength during the Doolittle Raid in 1942, launching bombers to strike Tokyo as retaliation for Pearl Harbor.
Despite their capabilities, aircraft carriers were vulnerable. Recognizing this, navies developed light carriers, which were smaller, quicker to build, and easier to deploy. For instance, the USS Independence (CVL-22) was converted from a cruiser hull to meet wartime needs.

The post-war era saw significant advancements in aircraft carriers. As aircraft became larger and more advanced, so did the carriers themselves. Modern carriers, like the Nimitz-class, boast displacements four times greater than early carriers like the USS Enterprise.
Today, carriers are considered the crown jewels of naval fleets. However, their high costs and vulnerability necessitate protective measures, such as carrier battle groups that include escort ships.
The United States operates the most aircraft carriers globally, including 11 nuclear-powered supercarriers. The latest innovation, the Gerald R. Ford-class, features automation, an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, and unmanned aerial vehicles. These cutting-edge carriers cost over $14.5 billion each and represent the pinnacle of naval engineering.

Had the USS Enterprise, Lexington, or Saratoga been in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the attack’s outcome might have been drastically different. Aircraft carriers were crucial to naval dominance, and their absence preserved them for future battles that shaped the war.
Aircraft carriers symbolize the evolution of naval power, transitioning from battleship supremacy to air superiority. From Pearl Harbor to the present, these floating airbases have left an indelible mark on military history, ensuring their place as essential assets in modern warfare.