Casablanca: The Navy Built 50 of These 'Tiny' Aircraft Carriers in 1 Year
Henry Kaiser’s mass-produced Casablanca-class "jeep carriers" became a crucial U.S. Navy asset during WWII. Though smaller and slower than fleet carriers, these escort carriers were rapidly built, affordable, and ideally suited for anti-submarine patrols and convoy protection.
While armed services often crave “gold-plated” weapon systems, Kaiser’s cheap jeep carriers showed how simple, affordable and numerous platforms well-suited to operational requirements can prove to be of greater value.
About the Author
Sébastien Roblin holds a master’s degree in conflict resolution from Georgetown University and served as a university instructor for the Peace Corps in China. He has also worked in education, editing, and refugee resettlement in France and the United States. He currently writes on security and military history for War Is Boring.
Correction: An earlier version of this article mentioned an item displayed in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. The establishment has recently changed its name to the Griffin Musuem of Science and Industry. 10/28/2024.
