The Essex-class aircraft carrier is the most built first-class aircraft carrier in the history of the U.S. Navy.
1.During World War II: Construction of the USS Essex, the lead ship of the Essex-class aircraft carriers, began on April 28, 1941. A few months later, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, and the United States officially entered World War II and accelerated the construction of aircraft carriers such as the USS Essex. In 1943, the USS Essex began its participation in the Pacific War. During the war, a total of 17 Essex-class aircraft carriers were put into service.
2.Post-war construction: After the end of World War II, the United States built seven more Essex-class aircraft carriers, bringing the total number to 24. These aircraft carriers continued to serve after the war and participated in numerous military operations during the Cold War.
3.Modernization: With the development of aviation technology, the Essex-class aircraft carriers have undergone several modernizations to accommodate the take-off and landing needs of new jet aircraft. The U.S. Navy modernized 22 Essex-class aircraft carriers in batches, codenamed SCB-27A, SCB-27C and SCB-125, to extend their service life.
4.Decommissioning: With the commissioning of new aircraft carriers, Essex-class aircraft carriers have been decommissioned one after another. The last Essex-class aircraft carrier was decommissioned in 1991.
Overall, the development of the Essex-class aircraft carriers has witnessed the growth of the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Cold War and the advancement of aviation technology.