I consider myself a modest WW2 history buff, but I knew nothing about this.
To create suitable carrier takeoff and landing training without tying up actual warships, or risking carriers to sub attacks during training, the USN converted two Great Lakes based coal powered ships with working flight decks. At the peak, these two ships were certifying 30 pilots a day, each, for carrier takeoffs and landings, on Lake Michigan.
One of the great advantages we had over the Japanese was the ability to produce well trained carrier pilots to replace lost aviators, as well as quickly grow the size of the naval air arm. These two old ships were critical in that effort. They were also training platforms for carrier deck crews.
To create suitable carrier takeoff and landing training without tying up actual warships, or risking carriers to sub attacks during training, the USN converted two Great Lakes based coal powered ships with working flight decks. At the peak, these two ships were certifying 30 pilots a day, each, for carrier takeoffs and landings, on Lake Michigan.
One of the great advantages we had over the Japanese was the ability to produce well trained carrier pilots to replace lost aviators, as well as quickly grow the size of the naval air arm. These two old ships were critical in that effort. They were also training platforms for carrier deck crews.
