What was the name of the US Navy's first aircraft carrier?

The USS Langley holds the distinction of being the United States Navy's first aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 1922, it was originally a collier ship named USAT Langley before being converted to serve as an aircraft carrier. This conversion marked a significant evolution in naval warfare, as it allowed the Navy to launch and recover aircraft from a ship, providing unprecedented tactical flexibility and capability at sea.

The USS Langley’s introduction set the stage for future carrier development and naval aviation, demonstrating the strategic value of integrating aircraft into naval operations. While other ships like the USS Midway, USS Lexington, and USS Saratoga were indeed significant in their roles within the Navy and in the development of naval aviation, none hold the title of being the first carrier specifically designed for that purpose, making the USS Langley a pivotal milestone in naval history.