In a compelling retrospective, we delve into the ten largest and longest aircraft carriers that shaped naval warfare during World War II, highlighting their monumental roles in pivotal battles. As the conflict erupted, aircraft carriers emerged as the most formidable naval assets, capable of striking from distances far beyond traditional battleships. These floating airports redefined maritime combat, launching aerial assaults that changed the tide of war.

At number ten, HMS Illustrious, the Royal Navy’s pride, was a key player in the Mediterranean, sinking an Italian battleship before suffering damage from German dive bombers. Following closely, the Italian Sparviero, originally a passenger vessel, was repurposed for war but met a tragic end as a block ship. HMS Implacable, at number eight, served in the Pacific, returning liberated POWs after Japan’s surrender.

The Japanese Kaga, a key participant in the Pearl Harbor attack, takes the seventh spot, while Zukaku, another Pearl Harbor veteran, follows closely. Akagi, a crucial player in the Battle of Midway, secured the fifth position but met a devastating fate that marked a turning point for Japan. The USS Yorktown, a resilient carrier that weathered multiple conflicts, ranks fourth, while Shinano, the largest carrier ever sunk by a submarine, holds the third spot.

The USS Lexington, lost in the Battle of Coral Sea, stands at number two, and at the pinnacle, the USS Midway reigns as the longest and largest ship of its time. Commissioned just after World War II, Midway served for nearly half a century, marking significant naval milestones and humanitarian missions.

This exploration reveals not just the dimensions of these vessels but their monumental impact on history, encapsulating the essence of naval power during one of the world’s most turbulent eras. As we reflect on these floating giants, we remember the sacrifices of those who served aboard them, forever altering the course of warfare and shaping the future of naval strategy. Stay tuned for more insights into our naval past.