The USS Langley (CV-1) was the United States Navy's first aircraft carrier, converted from the collier USS Jupiter in 1920. It played a significant role in the development of naval aviation, serving as a testbed for experimental technologies and tactics. Langley had a flush flight deck and an elevator to move aircraft between the deck and the hangar below. It could carry up to 36 aircraft and was involved in various operations and training exercises. During the interwar period, Langley was stationed in the Pacific and took part in fleet exercises and operations in the region. It also supported aviation development and tested new aircraft designs. Langley continued to serve as a training platform and support ship for carrier-based aircraft. In 1937, Langley was converted into a seaplane tender and renamed the USS Langley (AV-3). It participated in operations in the Pacific during World War II, providing crucial support for seaplanes and serving as a transport and repair ship. Unfortunately, Langley was eventually scuttled to prevent capture by the Japanese during the Battle of the Java Sea in 1942. The USS Langley's pioneering role in naval aviation laid the foundation for future aircraft carrier designs and operations, influencing the development of carrier-based warfare for decades to come.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.