Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 48:28-49:27

Lexington and Saratoga's battlecruiser origins

The Lexington conversions connect early American carriers with battlecruiser construction and the naming of the old frigate Constitution.

Aircraft CarriersBattlecruisersLexington Class BattlecruisersUS Navy
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Question

Were Lexington and Saratoga converted from battlecruisers, and what did that imply?

Short answer

Yes. Both began as battlecruisers, and the planned class reused names including Constitution and United States.

Notes

Lexington and Saratoga began as battlecruisers whose hulls were already laid down. The planned class included ships named Constitution and United States. Reusing Constitution for a new battlecruiser affected the name of the older frigate. She was temporarily called Old Constitution while the new ship was planned.