FOR U.S. PACIFIC FLEET

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 254, 17 January 1928, Page 1

FOR U.S. PACIFIC FLEET

NEW AIRCRAFT-CARRIERS IMPORTANT INDEX TO POLICY By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright WASHINGTON, Sunday. What is considered to be an important indication of American naval policy is seen in the announcement that both the new aircraft carriers, the Lexington and Saratoga, which were recently commissioned, have been assigned to the Pacific battle fleet. It was originally intended that the Lexington should be the flagship of the aircraft squadron of the Atlantic scouting fleet. Both the vessels together carry 166 airplanes and 200 aviators. —A. and N.Z. The Saratoga and Lexington are sister ships. They were originally laid down as battle-cruisers, in 1920 and 1921 respectively. but under the terms of the Washington Treaty were converted into aircraft carriers. Both the vessels displace 33,000 tons, and are armed with Sin guns, which throw a projectile of 2001 b. They are propelled by electricity, and the power of the Saratoga will be eauivalent to ISO,OOO horse-power. They are each SSOft long and cost £9,000,000 apiece. «^