Why the U.S. Did Not Build More Supercarriers After the Battle of Midway

After the pivotal Battle of Midway, which occurred in June 1942, the United States Navy did build a significant number of aircraft carriers, but not necessarily the largest or supercarriers as they are now understood. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision, highlighting the historical context of World War II and the technological developments that led to the eventual construction of supercarriers.

World War II and Aircraft Carrier Development

The USS Midway, named after the battle, and others were part of the Essex class aircraft carriers that saw extensive service during World War II. These ships, which were not supercarriers by today's standards, were among the largest and most capable aircraft carriers in the world at the time of their construction.

The first purpose-built large carrier, the USS Essex, was commissioned in 1943. However, the full scale of the war's demands, as well as concerns about the vulnerability of these carriers to submarine attack, meant that they weren't prioritized over other essential naval resources needed to support the war effort. Additionally, the U.S. Navy was still grappling with how best to counter the threats posed by the German, Italian, and Japanese navies.

Why No More Essex-Class Carriers?

Despite the success of the Essex-class carriers, the U.S. Navy did not immediately build more of these ships after the Battle of Midway. There were several reasons for this:

War Priorities: The U.S. had to prioritize other types of ships crucial for the war effort, such as escort carriers and landing craft. These vessels played vital roles in supporting military operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific theaters. Vulnerability Concerns: There was a significant concern about the vulnerability of carriers to submarine attacks, which meant the U.S. Navy was cautious about deploying them in high-risk operations. Tactical Adjustments: The U.S. Navy was still working out the best strategies for winning against the Axis powers and didn't want to risk losing valuable assets.

The Introduction of Supercarriers

However, the importance of carriers became increasingly apparent as the war progressed. Recognizing the strategic value of these ships, the U.S. Navy began to build larger carriers specifically designed to handle jet aircraft. The Midway class carriers, approved and being constructed around the same time as the Forrestal, were among the longest carriers in the world until the Forrestal class, which was authorized in the 1950s.

The USS Forrestal was the first true supercarrier, designed from the start to accommodate jet aircraft. These carriers greatly increased the number of aircraft they could carry – the Midway class could carry approximately 30 more aircraft than an Essex/Ticonderoga long deck ESSEX class which, in turn, could already carry more operational aircraft than any other carriers in World War II. The basic design of the Midway class was successfully demonstrated until the Midway was finally retired in 1992. She is now a museum ship in San Diego, California.

Legacy of the Essex-Class Carriers

The USS Essex class carriers, of which the U.S. built a total of 24, were larger than any American carrier in existence at the time of their construction. Despite the lack of immediate post-Midway supercarrier construction, the Essex-class carriers played a crucial role in World War II and laid the foundation for future naval architecture.

These ships demonstrated the importance of having a well-equipped and versatile carrier fleet, a concept that would be refined further in the post-war years. The lessons learned during the construction and operation of these essential vessels would shape the future of naval aviation and carrier operations, ultimately leading to the development of what we now call supercarriers.