The Refit of USS Saratoga CV-3: Why the Forward Elevator Was Upgraded and the Aft One Was Locked
USS Saratoga CV-3, an older carrier built on a battle cruiser hull, was part of the U.S. Navy's carrier fleet during World War II. Despite the advent of the larger and more modern Essex class carriers in mid-1943, Saratoga continued to serve until the end of the war, primarily in training and support roles. Its final action was as a night fighter carrier during the Battle of Iwo Jima. This article will explore the reasoning behind the refit of its aircraft elevators in 1944.
The Background of USS Saratoga CV-3
USS Saratoga CV-3, originally a battle cruiser converted into a warship, was already an aging carrier by the start of World War II. By mid-1943, the U.S. Navy was focusing on building the Essex class carriers, which proved to be highly effective combat vessels. Although Saratoga played a role in early battles, it gradually transitioned into more secondary duties as the war progressed. Its last significant action in the war was as a night fighter carrier during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
The battleship was eventually destroyed during nuclear bomb tests at Bikini Atoll after the war. But by 1944, the future of USS Saratoga CV-3 looked uncertain. Several Essex class carriers had been completed and saw action during the war, while others were still under construction or in the process of being deployed.
The Refit of USS Saratoga CV-3
In 1944, the decision was made to refit USS Saratoga CV-3. The focus of the refit was primarily on the forward aircraft elevator, while the aft one remained locked in place. This decision can be attributed to several factors, including the evolving nature of naval warfare and the operational constraints of the time.
Upgrading the Forward Elevator
During the refit, the forward aircraft elevator was upgraded to handle heavier and larger aircraft. The reasoning behind this was multifaceted. Firstly, the newer aircraft being produced during the war were increasingly larger and heavier than those that the forward elevator could accommodate. Upgrading the forward elevator ensured that the carrier could continue to perform its mission effectively, even if it was primarily a training and support carrier.
The Locked Aft Elevator
In contrast, the aft elevator was locked in place and its use was discontinued in 1942 due to manufacturing delays and operational demands. By mid-1942, as the size and weight of naval aircraft continued to increase, the capacity of the aft elevator could no longer meet the needs of the new aircraft. Consequently, it was locked in place to prevent any potential damage or operational issues.
Further evidence of this decision can be found in historical records. According to Wikipedia, ‘Before the war, plans were made to replace the aft elevator with a 44-by-48-foot, 13.4 m × 14.6 m model, but manufacturing delays and operational demands prevented this from ever happening. By mid-1942, the increasing size and weight of naval aircraft exceeded the capacity of the aft elevator, and it was locked in place. It was removed in March 1945 to save weight and the opening in the flight deck was plated over.’
Conclusion
The contrasting treatment of the forward and aft elevators in the 1944 refit of USS Saratoga CV-3 highlights the evolving nature of naval warfare and the strategic decisions made during wartime. The focus on upgrading the forward elevator while discontinuing the use of the aft elevator reflects the changing needs and constraints faced by naval carriers during the latter stages of World War II.