On March 20, 1922, The USS Jupiter was recommissioned as the USS Langley, becoming the United States Navy’s first aircraft carrier. She was named after Samuel Langley who had attempted unsuccessfully to launch an aircraft from a houseboat in 1903.

The USS Langley in New York

In celebration of this centennial event, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is highlighting its many unique items relating to American’s first aircraft carrier.

The USS Langley spent much of her career in San Diego, anchored at North Island.  And although she never saw combat as a carrier, the lessons learned on the Langley would prove invaluable for the pilots that flew off the carriers that followed her.

The USS Langley at North Island in 1933.

Because of the Langley's strong connection to San Diego, the Museum has many items in its collection that relate to her, many of which can be viewed in this exhibit. 

The exhibit can be viewed here.