Supercarriers

Children's Literature

Imagine the flight deck of a modern aircraft carrier. Its surface is covered with jet fighter planes, radar jamming aircraft, anti-submarine attack helicopters, pilots and a host of crewmen standing at their stations. Nearby, men dressed in alien-like fire fighting gear await any sort of fiery mishap. In the control tower, officers and enlisted crewmembers are engaged in any number of coordination activities. The mission could involve an air strike against a hostile foe, a rescue exercise or an interdiction of enemy ships. Whatever that mission might be, this image of an aircraft carrier represents the apex of modern ship design. Carriers are the most powerful surface vessel in the arsenals of modern navies. The story of the evolution, development and use of these vessels is taken up in this segment of the "Land and Sea" military history series. Laced with illustrations and photographs, this somewhat technical book will offer children interested in military hardware a good introduction to aircraft carriers and their operation. 2001, Capstone, $21.26. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck