Operation Bowery brought the US Navy into Malta's carrier ferry effort. USS Wasp joined Force W in May 1942 and launched Royal Air Force Spitfire VCs toward Malta. Contemporary photographs show the launches, Wasp's lift arrangements, and HMS Eagle viewed from one of the ferry aircraft. The mission shows practical Anglo-American naval cooperation before direct fighter flights made the carrier runs unnecessary.
Notable Point · 53:49-55:20
USS Wasp flies Spitfires toward Malta
USS Wasp launched RAF Spitfire VCs as part of Force W during Operation Bowery.