Naval Aviation in the Second World War

The emergence of aircraft carriers during World War I marked a significant shift in naval warfare, with early versions being makeshift constructions on existing hulls. By the 1920s, dedicated carriers began to be launched, although their strategic importance was still uncertain. The prevailing mindset among naval leaders, particularly the 'battleship admirals,' favored traditional battleships, leading to a period of ambivalence towards the new carriers, which were not yet recognized for their potential impact on naval operations.