CVE Ship Abbreviation

Escort Aircraft Carrier

An Escort Aircraft Carrier, often abbreviated as CVE, is a type of aircraft carrier that is smaller and slower than the fleet carriers used by major naval powers. These ships were primarily used during World War II to provide air support for convoys and amphibious operations. Despite their smaller size, they played a crucial role in the Allied victory, demonstrating the versatility and strategic importance of naval air power.

The design of Escort Aircraft Carriers allowed for rapid production, making them an invaluable asset during the war. They were typically converted from merchant ships or built from the keel up as carriers, equipped with a flight deck but lacking the armor and speed of their larger counterparts. This made them more vulnerable in combat, but their ability to operate in environments where larger carriers could not proved their worth. The CVE category encompasses a variety of ships that, despite their limitations, significantly contributed to naval warfare tactics and the protection of sea lanes.