The carrier new name honored astronomer and physicist Samuel Pierpoint Langley who experimented with flying machines as early as 1898. He was a distinguished astronomer and physicist who received degrees from many universities and colleges for his imminent work in the field of astronomy as well as the development of aviation.
Commodore Kenneth Whiting was in command. November 17, 1924 – USS Langley reported for duty, becoming the first operational aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy.
For the first three years following her commissioning was used as an experimental ship, testing gear and aircraft, and training pilots and support personnel.
On 26 October, while Langley was steaming at 12.5 knots, , LCDR Godfrey de Courcelles Chevalier made the first landing on her deck with an Aeromarine 39‑B biplane. As the plane settled down on the deck, its wooden propeller broke, but there was no crash.
For the first five years of her operations, she was the only aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy.
United States first aircraft carrier
