Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:39:59-4:40:32

Why Omaha was a poor carrier-conversion hull

Omaha's proposed carrier conversion is dismissed, with its useful life as a scout cruiser also judged narrow.

Carrier ConversionsLight Aircraft CarriersNaval AviationOmaha Class CruisersUS NavyWarship Design
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Question

Why did the United States consider converting Omaha-class cruisers into light carriers, and was the hull suitable?

Short answer

Desperation prompted the proposal, but Omaha was not a good carrier hull and already had only a narrow useful window as a scout cruiser.

Notes

The Omaha class is rejected as a suitable basis for a light aircraft carrier. Its consideration for conversion is characterized as a desperate proposal. The ships are also judged to have had only a short useful period in their intended scout-cruiser role.