Flat-Tops and Fledglings: A History of American Aircraft Carriers [Flattops]

530 pp. ...traces the history of the American aircraft carrier from the early days of the twenties and thirties of experiment and theory which would not be proven until the outbreak of World War II when the aircraft became the backbone of our task forces in the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns. The role of the aircraft carrier in Korea, the cold war period and the Vietnam conflict is described at length. The second section of the book details aircraft that have operated from the decks of the carriers since October 17, 1922... Includes over 400 illustrations.