US Navy Aircraft Carriers 1942-45: WWII-built ships

by Mark Stille, Tony Bryan (Illustrator)

Overview

Aircraft carriers were the US Navy's principal weapon against Japan during the Pacific War. Development of the Essex class began in 1939, becoming the largest class of carrier ever to be built. Early in the Pacific War it became renowned for its 'Sunday Punch' of 36 fighter planes, 36 dive bombers, and 18 torpedo planes. Alongside the lighter Independence class, these carriers formed the formidable Fast Carrier Force in the Pacific. Featuring artwork detailing the interior and exterior features of the ships, this book explores their design, development, and the action they saw in the Pacific, including the climactic battles of Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780967516
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	05/20/2012
Series:	New Vanguard , #130
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	48
File size:	7 MB

About the Author

Commander (retired) Mark O Stille served as a career Naval Intelligence Officer, spending over five years of his naval career assigned to various US Navy carriers. He continues to work in this field in a civilian capacity. He holds an MA from the Naval War College and has had several wargames published. This is his second book for Osprey. He lives in Virginia, USA.

Tony Bryan is a freelance illustrator of many years' experience. He initially qualified in Engineering and worked for a number of years in Military Research and Development, and has a keen interest in military hardware – armor, small arms, aircraft and ships. Tony has produced many illustrations for partworks, magazines and books, including a number of titles in the New Vanguard series.
Mark Stille is the author of numerous Osprey titles focusing on naval history in the Pacific. He recently concluded a nearly 40-year career in the intelligence community, including tours on the faculty of the Naval War College, on the Joint Staff and on US Navy ships. He received his BA in History from the University of Maryland and also holds an MA from the Naval War College.

Table of Contents

Origins · Development · Chronology · The Essex Class · The Independence Class · Bibliography · Color Plate Commentary · Index

Editorial Reviews

The book does its job well in describing the Essex and Independence class carriers. There are also many photographs and paintings of the carriers while either on a regular cruise or in combat actions. In all, a good book from Osprey to read for those interested in US carriers and their operations.” —Andrew Nguyen, ww2db.com (October 2009)

“The superlative images in the book are further enhanced by the artwork of Tony Bryan... this is a book that ship fans will just have to have in their libraries and the rest of us will find it an excellent primer on the types.” —Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com

From the Publisher