The production ratio shows why CVEs appear across so many secondary but essential operations. Their numbers created a pool of mobile flight decks that could move aircraft, support landings, patrol sea lanes, and free fleet carriers for concentrated combat tasks. With 122 escort carriers among 155 wartime American carriers, the type supplied the numerical foundation of naval aviation. Their strategic value came from distributing adequate air power across many simultaneous jobs rather than matching a fleet carrier ship for ship.
Notable Point · 2:09:19-2:10:09
Escort carriers supplied most American flight decks
Of 155 American carriers built during the war, 122 were escort carriers available for transport, support, and amphibious missions.