The USS Langley (CV-1) was the United States Navy's first aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1922. Originally built as a collier ship, it was converted to carry and launch aircraft, marking a significant shift in naval warfare. The ship had a flat deck for takeoffs and landings, allowing it to support early aviation operations. The USS Langley played a crucial role in developing carrier tactics and aviation technology. It participated in various exercises and operations, including the 1925 transcontinental flight of the Army Air Service. The ship was eventually converted into a repair ship and was lost during World War II in 1942.