About this Unit
USS Wright (CC-2) was a planned Lexington-class battlecruiser for the United States Navy, laid down in 1921 at the Newport News Shipbuilding Company. Named after the Wright brothers, the ship was part of a class designed during World War I to counter new fast battleships and cruisers. However, construction was halted and ultimately canceled in 1923 following the Washington Naval Treaty, which imposed strict limits on capital ship construction. The incomplete hull was scrapped on the slipway, and the name Wright was later reassigned to other Navy vessels.
Historical Facts
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Not Completed as a Battlecruiser: USS Wright (CC-2) was originally laid down as a Lexington-class battlecruiser in 1921, but her construction was suspended and then canceled in 1923 due to the Washington Naval Treaty, which aimed to prevent a naval arms race.
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Converted to an Aircraft Tender: Instead of being scrapped, the incomplete hull was converted into an airship tender and aircraft repair ship, and she was renamed USS Wright (AZ-1) in 1925.
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Pioneering Role in Naval Aviation: As an airship tender, the USS Wright played a critical role in supporting the U.S. Navy's early experiments with dirigibles and seaplanes, helping to lay the groundwork for future naval aviation operations.
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Service as a Command Ship: During World War II, USS Wright was reclassified as a command ship (CC-2) and served as a floating headquarters for fleet commanders in the Pacific Theater.
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Unique Hull Classification: The "CC" designation originally stood for "battlecruiser," but after her conversion, it was repurposed for "command ship," making USS Wright one of the few vessels to have two entirely different roles under the same hull number.
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Flagship for Famous Admirals: USS Wright served as the flagship for several top-ranking U.S. Navy officers, including Admiral William Halsey, during key operations in the Pacific.
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Participation in Major Operations: The ship was present at several significant World War II campaigns, including the preparations for the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
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Luxurious Accommodations: As a command ship, the USS Wright was outfitted with extensive communications equipment and living quarters to support high-ranking officers and their staff, making it one of the most comfortable ships in the fleet.
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Postwar Service: After World War II, USS Wright continued to serve as a command ship before being decommissioned in 1947 and ultimately scrapped in 1948.
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Namesake Honors: The ship was named after the Wright brothers, pioneers of aviation, reflecting her long association with naval aviation and airship operations.
