U.S.S. Wright
CC-2
1965
(Neptun 2305)
- Class: Wright - 1 converted light aircraft carrier of 1943
- Displacement: 14,500 tons standard, 19,570 tons full load
- Dimensions: 664' (wl) 683'7" (oa) x 76'8" (110' max) x 28'
- Machinery: 4-shaft geared turbines, S.H.P. 120,000 = 33 knots
- Armament: 8-40mm (4x2) A.A.
- Complement: 222 officers + 1,498 enlisted
- Builder: New York Shipbuilding, Camden, NJ
- Keel Laid: 21 Aug 1944
- Launched: 1 Sep 1945
- Commissioned: 9 Feb 1947 / 11 May 1963
- Decommissioned: 15 Mar 1956 / 27 May 1970
- Notes: Wright and her sister Saipan were ordered as replacements for the anticipated wastage of Independence-class carriers, with design based on the Baltimore-class heavy cruiser hull, instead of a Cleveland-class light cruiser conversion. Completed too late for World War II, they were cramped for jet aircraft and were laid up after use as training carriers. Reclassified as an auxiliary aircraft transport (AVT-7) but remained inactive. Wright was converted at Puget Sound Navy Shipyard and recommissioned as command ship CC-2, serving as the National Emergency Command Post Afloat (NECPA), a duty she alternated with former cruiser CC-1 Northampton. Based at Norfolk, she served 1964-70. The forward two-thirds of the hangar deck became command spaces, while after third used to store and maintain helicopters. Flight deck forward supported the most powerful radio antennas installed on a ship; tallest being 83 feet.
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