USS Langley (CVL-27) entered World War II as an Independence-class light aircraft carrier and served across the Pacific. In October 1944, she took part in the vast Battle of Leyte Gulf as American naval forces fought to prevent Japan from disrupting the Allied return to the Philippines.
Langley at Leyte Gulf
Operating with the fast carrier forces, Langley launched aircraft against Japanese forces during the Philippines campaign. The battle that unfolded from 23–26 October involved carrier strikes, surface actions and submarine attacks across a huge area and became one of history's largest naval engagements.
A Surviving Piece of the Carrier
The relic associated with the USS Langley artwork comes from material connected with the carrier, preserving a physical link to a ship that served through some of the Pacific War's final major operations.
After World War II, Langley eventually served with the French Navy as La Fayette. Her long career extended the story of an American wartime light carrier well beyond the Pacific campaigns for which she is best remembered.
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