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Today in History: USS Langley: First Aircraft Carrier Joins Navy

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 20, 1922, the United States Navy commissioned its first aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV-1). Converted from the collier USS Jupiter, Langley marked a significant advancement in naval aviation, serving as a seagoing airbase. This pioneering vessel laid the groundwork for the evolution of modern aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy.

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Story summary

On March 20, 1922, the United States Navy commissioned its first aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV-1). Converted from the collier USS Jupiter, Langley marked a significant advancement in naval aviation, serving as a seagoing airbase. This pioneering vessel laid the groundwork for the evolution of modern aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy.