Mitch, I've thoroughly enjoyed the tour of this fine ship. I am an ex-marine
engineer ( as well as an aviation nut ) so its been particularly
interesting.

Many years ago, I attended a lecture at the Institute of Marine Engineers in
London and the guest speaker maintained that, taking into account its era,
the context of the requirements that it had been designed to meet, and its
operational history and longevity, the Essex-class carrier was a candidate
for the most successful capital ship ever designed.

Excellent series !

Regards

Paul