Unlike an escort carrier, a MAC ship remained a working grain carrier or tanker under mercantile command. A naval detachment operated the aircraft and flight-deck equipment without taking over the ship's commercial cargo function. Its tiny air group could not be diverted into the amphibious-support and strike missions that drew escort carriers away from Atlantic convoys. The slow-handling Fairey Swordfish was unusually well suited to the short deck and could often take off without assistance, although rocket-assisted launch remained available for heavy loads.
Chapter · 2:38-5:24
A cargo ship and aircraft carrier at once
MAC ships retained civilian command and cargo work while a naval detachment operated a tiny Swordfish air group from the added flight deck.