Legends of the Sea: 10 Iconic Battleships & Supercarriers

Naval warfare evokes images of powerful ships ruling the seas, launching aircraft, and clashing in epic confrontations. Here are 10 legendary battleships and supercarriers that redefined the art of war—and left an enduring mark on history.

1. HMS Dreadnought (UK, 1906)

HMS Dreadnought changed naval warfare forever when it was launched in 1906. It was the first battleship to use steam turbines for power, making it faster than previous ships. With its big guns, Dreadnought could shoot further and harder than anything else at the time. 

Its name, “dreadnoughts,” even became a term for the new class of battleships. Other navies scrambled to build similar ships, leading to a naval arms race that shaped the early 20th century. Sadly, it was eventually sunk during World War I, but its legacy lives on.

2. HMS Eagle (UK, 1942)

Designed to carry and launch planes, Eagle was part of the fleet that helped support air strikes and naval operations. One of its most memorable moments came during the hunt for the famous German battleship Bismarck. Eagle’s aircraft were involved in the successful efforts to track down and engage this formidable enemy ship.

Unfortunately, HMS Eagle’s fate changed in 1942 when it was attacked by German submarines while off the coast of Malta. Despite its damage, the crew showed remarkable bravery and resilience.

Sadly, Eagle was ultimately sunk in an enemy attack, marking the end of its service. 

3. HMS Furious (UK, 1917)

HMS Furious started its life as a battlecruiser but was converted into one of the first aircraft carriers in 1917. This ship was a pioneer, helping to prove that aircraft could be used effectively in naval battles. 

Furious participated in several operations during World War I and later in the interwar period. It was the first ship to launch an aircraft from a moving deck, which was a big step forward for naval aviation. Although it was scrapped in 1948, its contributions to carrier operations are still recognized today.

4. USS Langley (USA, 1922)

The United States’ first aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1922, the USS Langley was started as a collier ship but was converted to carry and launch planes. Langley helped the U.S. Navy learn how to operate aircraft at sea. 

It participated in training exercises and tests that paved the way for future carriers. Unfortunately, Langley was attacked by Japanese planes in 1942 and eventually sank. Its early work laid the groundwork for the powerful carriers that would come later.

5. Shinano (Japan, 1944)

Shinano was a unique battleship and the largest aircraft carrier ever built at the time. Launched in 1944, it was meant to help Japan regain control of the Pacific during World War II. 

However, Shinano was still undergoing final preparations when it was attacked by an American submarine and sunk just days after its commissioning. Despite its brief life, Shinano represented the pinnacle of battleship design and the shift in naval power towards aircraft carriers.

6. USS Bon Homme Richard (USA, 1944)

This was an aircraft carrier that served in the U.S. Navy during the latter part of World War II and the Vietnam War. Launched in 1944, it was named after the ship commanded by the famous American naval hero John Paul Jones. 

Bon Homme Richard supported air strikes against Japanese positions. It later participated in operations during the Vietnam War, showcasing its versatility as a carrier. Sadly, the ship was decommissioned in 1971, but its contributions to naval aviation are still remembered.

7. HMS Audacious (UK, 1946)

A British aircraft carrier launched in 1946, it was one of the first post-World War II carriers built to modern standards. Although it never saw combat during the war, Audacious was involved in various operations during the late 1940s and early 1950s. 

The ship was known for its advanced design and capabilities, but due to budget cuts and changing naval strategies, it was eventually scrapped in 1971. Even though it had a short service life, Audacious represented the evolution of naval warfare in the post-war era.

8. USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA, 1945)

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt was a large aircraft carrier named after the 32nd President of the United States. Commissioned in 1945, the ship mainly served in the Mediterranean and participated in NATO operations during the Cold War. 

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) was decommissioned and removed from the Naval Vessel Register on October 1, 1977, while it was docked at Pier 3 at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia.

9. HMS Centaur (UK, 1953)

Launched in 1953, HMS Centaur was a British light aircraft carrier. It was designed to support naval aviation with its hangar and flight deck. Centaur saw service during the Cold War and participated in various operations, including the Suez Crisis. 

In 1970, it was towed to Devonport, where it waited for two more years before finally being towed to Cairnryan to be scrapped.

10. USS Coral Sea (USA, 1946)

USS Coral Sea was an aircraft carrier that served in the U.S. Navy, launched in 1946. It was designed to be a flexible and powerful platform for naval air operations. 

Coral Sea saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, supporting bombing campaigns and providing air cover for troops on the ground. The ship had a long service life, being decommissioned in 1990.

While some may have been overlooked and forgotten, their stories remind us of the bravery, innovation, and determination of those who served on them.