USS Saratoga (CV-3): From the 1920s - 30s and WWII Combat, to Operation Crossroads

The keel of the USS Saratoga (CC-3) was laid by New York Shipbuilding in Camden, New Jersey, on September 25, 1920. Work on the fast, heavily armed battle cruiser was suspended in February 1922 when the Washington Naval Conference negotiated limits on warship sizes and numbers. Once the agreement was signed, the decision was made to covert the 28 percent complete Saratoga into an aircraft carrier. Launched as an aircraft carrier on April 7, 1925, she became the largest ship of that type afloat. Saratoga's revolutionary turboelectric drive and hull design allowed her to operate at 33 knots, a trait believed to be useful in the event of combat damage to either end of her flight deck. Despite this, she fought throughout the war, earning eight battle stars. Following the war, Saratoga was deemed surplus and was expended as a target during the Bikini Atoll nuclear tests.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The USS Saratoga and her sister ship, the USS Lexington, held the prestigious title of being the world's largest aircraft carriers until 1944. The keel of the formidable battle cruiser USS Saratoga (CC-3) was laid on September 25, 1920, at New York Shipbuilding in Camden, New Jersey. However, work on this remarkable vessel came to a temporary halt in February 1922, as the Washington Naval Conference convened to negotiate limits on warship sizes and numbers. Once an agreement was reached, the decision was made to convert the Saratoga, which had reached a mere 28 percent completion, into an aircraft carrier, just like her sister ship, Lexington. On April 7, 1925, Saratoga was proudly launched as an aircraft carrier, proudly claiming the title of the largest ship of its kind afloat.

Saratoga's revolutionary turboelectric drive and hull design played a pivotal role in her exceptional capabilities. She could achieve impressive speeds of 33 knots, whether she was cruising forward or backward. This remarkable trait was believed to be invaluable in the event of combat damage to either end of her flight deck. Unfortunately, Saratoga experienced the harsh realities of war. Though she was in port at San Diego, California, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, she endured numerous damages and even severe setbacks throughout the ensuing conflict. Undeterred, Saratoga valiantly fought on, earning a total of eight battle stars for her bravery.

After the war, Saratoga was deemed surplus due to her age, past damages, and the limitations of her design. As a result, she was expended as a target during the Bikini Atoll nuclear tests. Despite surviving the first "Able" bomb test, she met her demise on July 25, 1946, when the "Baker" test sank her.

This comprehensive 144-page volume, an expansion of the authors' earlier work, delves deep into the construction and operation of the USS Saratoga, both during times of peace and war. It provides a detailed account of the numerous refits and repairs she underwent, showcasing over 350 captivating photos and illustrations that bring the story to life.

Weight: 758g
Dimension: 236 x 237 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764364662