STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

 "USS Langley CVL-27" by Artist Craig Tinder

This signed and numbered limited-edition relic artwork is offered in Heritage Alloy™ and original Gallery-Wrapped Canvas presentations. The 18×12 edition is limited to 30 total pieces, and the 30×20 edition is limited to 20 total pieces. Each artwork includes an authentic historical relic and Certificate of Authenticity and is hand-signed by artist Craig Tinder.

The Story Behind the Print:

25 October 1944 - The USS Langley (CVL-27), an Independence-class light aircraft carrier, played a pivotal role in one of the most decisive naval engagements of World War II: the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Tasked with launching aircraft to intercept the Japanese fleet, the Langley sent F6F Hellcats from Fighter Squadron VF-44 and TBM Avengers from Torpedo Squadron VT-44 into battle. This operation was part of Task Force 38, commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, which was focused on halting the Japanese Mobile Force as it attempted to defend the Philippines and counter the Allied landings at Leyte.

The Langley's aircraft were instrumental in the destruction of two key Japanese aircraft carriers, Zuikaku and Zuihō. Zuikaku held special significance, as it was the last surviving carrier that had participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The sinking of Zuikaku marked the symbolic end of Japan’s carrier-based strike force, which had been a central element of Japanese naval power throughout the Pacific War. Alongside other U.S. carriers in Task Force 38, the Langley's contribution to the battle severely diminished Japan’s naval air power, with four Japanese carriers being sunk during the battle, along with numerous other ships.

The destruction of these carriers was not just a tactical victory but a strategic one. By crippling Japan’s ability to field effective air cover and launch counterattacks, the Battle of Leyte Gulf opened the path for the U.S. and Allied forces to complete their invasion of the Philippines. This marked a major turning point in the Pacific War, leading to Japan's steady retreat from its occupied territories and solidifying Allied dominance in the region.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf is often remembered as the largest naval battle in history, involving hundreds of ships and aircraft on both sides. For the USS Langley, this engagement underscored its vital role in carrier operations, and the air strikes launched from its deck contributed directly to the decisive blow that hastened the downfall of Japan's naval forces.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This art piece is an officially licensed product of the U.S. Department of the Navy and is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder.

Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder captures the early morning launch of U.S. fighters from the USS Langley (CVL-27) as they prepared for the Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the largest and most decisive naval battles of World War II. The Langley was an escort carrier that flew Grumman F6F Hellcats and TBM Avengers, playing a pivotal role in providing air cover and supporting the Allied forces during the critical engagements.USS Langley wood fragment with Certification

This Limited Edition Canvas Print is made even more special by including an actual fragment of teak deck from the USS Langley CVL-27. Considered one of the last remaining original relics from the ship, this fragment adds a tangible piece of history to the artwork, linking it directly to the vessel’s significant role in the Pacific Theater.Artist, Craig Tinder, with "USS Langley CVL-27" limited edition prints

Fragment of USS Langley CVL-27 included with each canvas

This art piece is an officially licensed product of the U.S. Department of the Navy.

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

HERITAGE ALLOY™

Heritage Alloy™ is the next generation of Aces In Action Relic Artwork. Made from a rigid aluminum composite material, its smooth surface delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail with a luminous quality that is difficult to fully capture in photographs.

Each Heritage Alloy™ edition incorporates our exclusive Artifact Dock™, integrating the authentic historical relic, its provenance, and limited-edition identification directly into the artwork. Available Ready to Hang or finished in a solid black wood frame.

GALLERY-WRAPPED CANVAS

Select Relic Artwork editions remain available on our traditional gallery-wrapped canvas while inventory lasts. Canvas provides a classic, textured fine-art presentation and is available Ready to Hang or finished in our traditional black floater frame.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Ready to Hang or Framed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Framed
  • Custom sizes may be available upon request

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready for display. 18" × 12" Heritage Alloy™ Ready-to-Hang editions include an installed rear wall-mount bracket, while Gallery-Wrapped Canvas arrives ready to hang without an external frame. Framed editions include installed hanging hardware. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

RELIC MATERIAL & VARIATION

Unless otherwise stated, the relic included with your artwork is a fragment taken from the larger historical component shown in the reference photos. The size, shape, color, markings, and appearance of each relic may vary based on the original material available. Reference photos are provided to document and illustrate the source of the relic material and may not depict the exact fragment included with your artwork.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

ARTIST • HISTORIAN • RELIC CURATOR

Craig Tinder has spent more than two decades creating historically researched artwork that connects collectors with the people, machines, and events that shaped history. His work goes far beyond illustrating an aircraft, ship, or vehicle—the research and historical artifacts behind each piece are an integral part of the artwork.

Craig works with museums, aircraft and vehicle restoration organizations, veterans, historians, collectors, and other historical institutions around the world to locate and document authentic artifacts with meaningful connections to the subjects he depicts. He supplements this physical evidence with extensive research using museum collections, military records, historical photographs, archives, and other primary and secondary sources from around the world.

In his workshop, Craig carefully prepares and incorporates these genuine historical relics into his signed and numbered artwork, preserving their provenance while giving artifacts that might otherwise remain unseen a new way to tell their story.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

ACES IN ACTION JOURNAL

Explore Further

Discover the people, missions, machines and events behind this artwork with the complete story in the Aces In Action Journal.

USS Langley CVL-27 at the Battle of Leyte Gulf

Read the Full Story

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.