Independence-class aircraft carrier
The Independence-class aircraft carriers were a class of light carriers built for the United States Navy that served during World War II.
USS San Jacinto on a training cruise off the east coast in 1944
USS Princeton
USS Belleau Wood
USS Cowpens
A light aircraft carrier, or light fleet carrier, is an aircraft carrier smaller than the standard carriers of a navy. The precise definition of the type varies by country; light carriers typically have a complement of aircraft only one-half to two-thirds the size of a full-sized fleet carrier. A light carrier was similar in concept to an escort carrier in most respects, however light carriers were intended for higher speeds to be deployed alongside fleet carriers, while escort carriers usually defended equally slow convoys and provided air support during amphibious operations.
Italian Navy's Giuseppe Garibaldi. All modern light aircraft carriers are equipped with ski jump ramps.
Royal Navy's HMS Invincible is the first light aircraft carrier equipped with a ski jump ramp.
Light carrier Cavour of the Italian Navy
Juan Carlos I of the Spanish Navy