USS Langley (CVL-27)

(CVL‑27: dp. 11,000; l. 622'6"; b. 71'6"; ew. 109'2"; dr. 26'; s. 31 k.; cpl. 1,569; a. 26 40mm., ac. 45; cl. Independence )

Samuel Pierpont Langley, born August 1834 in Roxbury, Mass., became a distinguished American astronomer, physicist, and pioneer in the development of heavier-than-air craft. In 1865 he was assistant in the Harvard Observatory, and the following year an assistant professor of mathematics at the Naval Academy. In 1887, as director of the Allegheny Observatory, he devised the bolometer and other scientific apparatus. In 1881 he organized a successful expedition to Mount Whitney, Calif. Professor Langley was honored by degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, Yale, among other universities. He died 27 February 1906 in Aiken, S.C.

Langley (CVL‑27), originally named Fargo (CL‑85), was laid down as Crown Point (CV‑27) by New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J., 11 April 1942; renamed Langley 13 November 1942; launched 22 May 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Harry L. Hopkins, wife of the Special Assistant to President Roosevelt; reclassified CVL‑27, 15 July 1943; and commissioned 31 August 1943, Capt. W. M. Dillon in command.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Langley II (CVL-27)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.