Evolution of the Aircraft Carrier

Evolution of the Aircraft Carrier

The aircraft carrier and carrier aircraft have evolved since the first experiments combining ship and plane. Visit this exhibit to see a large-scale display of USS Pennsylvania and the first aircraft to ever land on the deck of a ship back in 1911. This historical event happened right here in the San Francisco Bay and was the established the foundations of the aircraft carrier type.

From 1911, the exhibit explores the evolution of the carrier from its earliest beginnings to the onset of WWII.

Additional Images

The Space Race/Apollo Splashdown

The Space Race/Apollo Splashdown

The Space Race / Apollo Splashdown In Hornet’s hangar bay, see larger artifacts from the Space Race between...
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Air Group 11

Air Group 11

An aircraft carrier is, at its heart, a floating airport dedicated to serving the air groups that fly...
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Roll Call! Life on an Essex Class Carrier

Roll Call! Life on an Essex Class Carrier

This exhibit highlights the clothing and personal gear of the men that served on aircraft carriers like USS Hornet....
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