The Essex-class was a class of aircraft carriers used by the United States Navy during and after World War II. These ships were designed to support naval aviation operations and played a crucial role in various battles across the Pacific Theater. The Essex-class carriers were known for their large flight decks and advanced capabilities, allowing them to launch and recover multiple aircraft simultaneously. A total of 24 Essex-class carriers were built, with the first commissioned in 1942. They served in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and many were eventually converted for other uses, such as amphibious assault ships. The class significantly influenced naval warfare and aircraft carrier design in subsequent generations.