The Design and Construction of USS Wasp CV-7: An In-Depth Analysis

USS Wasp CV-7 is a significant player in the history of American submarine warfare and naval design. This vessel, launched in 1940, was part of the Essex-class aircraft carriers and played a crucial role during World War II. Often, questions arise regarding the construction and design of USS Wasp, particularly whether provisions were made for adding more armor to its hull. This article delves into the historical context and design specifications of USS Wasp to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Design and Conformity with the 1930 London Naval Treaty

During the early 1930s, the United States Navy (USN) was subjected to numerous restrictions, primarily dictated by the 1930 London Naval Treaty. This treaty aimed to limit the size and capabilities of naval vessels to maintain a balance in global naval powers. The treaty imposed strict limitations on the total tonnage of new carriers, with the United States allowed a maximum of 53,000 tons.

USS Wasp, being a carrier within the Essex-class, was designed to fit within these constraints. However, the design limitations imposed by the treaty meant that areas such as armor installation were significantly constrained. Initially, the plans for USS Wasp were influenced by the Yorktown-class carriers, which had a more substantial displacement of 120,000 shaft horsepower (shp). Due to these limitations, USS Wasp could only accommodate 70,000 shaft horsepower and was limited in terms of armor and other serious modifications.

The treaty’s strict tonnage limitations left USS Wasp with a relatively low displacement of 39,000 tons available for the Yorktown and Enterprise. Consequently, only 14,000 tons were left for USS Wasp, significantly restricting the vessel's potential for armor and other defensive measures.

The Actual Design and Armament of USS Wasp

The actual design of USS Wasp was characterized by reduced heavy armor compared to other carriers, such as the Yorktown and Enterprise. This was a result of the limited displacement available for such enhancements. Additionally, the thickness and number of bulkheads were fewer, and the ship was shorter overall, making it more challenging to incorporate substantial armoring effectively.

In the years leading up to 1936, when the London Naval Treaty expired, the ship design philosophy changed, leading to the construction of the Hornet, which used a Yorktown-class design but with the benefit of more available displacement. Despite the potential for enhanced protection, the short service life of USS Wasp did not provide the necessary time for such modifications. The ship was commissioned in 1940, and its first deployment was limited, leading to a lack of opportunities for substantial armoring during its service.

Post-Treaty Developments and Refits

After the expiration of the 1930 London Naval Treaty, the United States and its allies no longer had the same strict limitations on ship design and construction. This newfound flexibility allowed for more extensive modifications and enhancements to existing ships. However, for USS Wasp, the realities of the war effort and her relatively short deployment period meant that no substantial refits focusing on armor were feasible.

For instance, if USS Wasp had survived long enough to undergo an overhaul or refit, it would have likely received additional torpedo bulges, similar to those installed on the carrier USS Enterprise. These modifications were standard for improving the survivability of carriers in combat situations.

Conclusion

While the design of USS Wasp was constrained by the 1930 London Naval Treaty, and provisions for additional armor were not implemented, it is important to consider the historical context and the limitations of the time. The ship's design and construction were a reflection of the restricted tonnage and horsepower limitations set by international treaties, which significantly impacted its armor and other defensive measures. Nonetheless, the principles guiding USS Wasp's design reflect a commitment to maintaining a balanced fleet under challenging global constraints.

Keywords: USS Wasp CV-7, Armor Provision, 1930 London Naval Treaty