Ordered on 9 September 1940 as a Cleveland-class light cruiser, this ship was assigned hull number CL-85 and named Fargo, for a city in North Dakota (NS022742).

Designated for completion as an aircraft carrier she was redesignated CV-27 and renamed Crown Point, 31 March 1942, after a British fort built in 1759 near the current location of Crown Point in Essex County, New York (NS02742a). With only a skeletal British force at the Fort, it was easily captured by Captain Seth Warner and 100 Green Mountain Boys on 10th or 11th May 1775, in the battle of Crown Point, at the start of the American Revolution.

Renamed Langley, 13 November 1942, to commemorate the service of the previous Langley (AV-3), the first US aircraft carrier, lost in action on 27 February 1942.

NS020103: The first USS Langley (CV-1), off Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone, 1 March 1930. (National Archives and Records Administration photo, # 80-G-185915.)

NS020134: Samuel Pierpont Langley (1834–1906), born in Roxbury, Mass., became a distinguished American astronomer, physicist, and pioneer in the development of heavier-than-air craft. In 1865 he was assistant in the Harvard Observatory, and the following year an assistant professor of mathematics at the Naval Academy. In 1878, as director of the Allegheny Observatory, he devised the bolometer—a radiant-heat detector that is sensitive to differences in temperature of one hundred-thousandth of a degree Celsius (0.00001 C)—and other scientific apparatus. In 1881 he organized a successful expedition to Mount Whitney, Calif. Professor Langley was honored by degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, Yale, among other universities. He died in Aiken, S.C. (Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Archives.)

(Map NS022742 courtesy of Hamstermap.com. Map NS022742a courtesy of Google Maps.)

The future USS Langley (CV/CVL-27) being launched at New York Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp., Camden, New Jersey, on Saturday, 22 May 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 19-N-45422.

Underway off Cape Henry, Virginia, (36 55'N; 75 45'W) with two SNJ training planes on her flight deck, 6 October 1943. Photographed by a blimp of squadron ZP-14, out of NAS Weeksville, N.C.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-87113).

A K-class airship of Blimp Patrol Squadron (ZP) 14 overhead of USS Langley (CVL-27) off Norfolk, Virginia, on 6 October 1943.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.132.004.

At anchor in harbor, February 1944.

Official caption states: "Aerial of Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii. Shown: (1) USS Salt Lake City (CA-25); (2) USS Langley (CVL-27); (3) another undetermined CVL; and (4) USS Saratoga (CV-3). Photograph released 5 April 1944."

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo #80-G-221103).

David Stubblebine notes, however:

"The date: These ships were only moored in these berths at the same time on 15 & 16 Jan 1944."

"The Ships: Ships #2 and #4 are identified as CVL-27 Langley and CV-3 Saratoga and I concur (Berths B-16 and B-22, respectively). Ship #1 in Berth B-11 is misidentified as CA-25 Salt Lake City but she was at Funafuti at the time; ship #1 is CA-35 Indianapolis (somewhere there was a CA-35 to CA-25 typo, I suspect). Ship #3 in Berth B-21 is listed as an unidentified CVL but this is CVL-23 Princeton."

Commander Edward C. Outlaw, USN, in his F6F-3 Hellcat, after he recovered aboard USS Langley (CVL-27) following his shooting down of five Japanese enemy planes over Truk, 29 April 1944.

U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-244778.

Commander Edward C. Outlaw, USN, in his F6F-3 Hellcat, aboard USS Langley (CVL-27), receiving a send off from his plane from AMM3/C H.T. Sliper, USN, 29 April 1944.

U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-244779.

Pilots of F6F-3 Hellcats who shot down 21 Japanese enemy planes in less than 15 minutes over Truk Atoll, 29 April 1944, aboard USS Langley (CVL-27). Shown, left to right: Lieutenant Junior Grade Lloyd R. McEachern, USNR; Lieutenant Hollis H. Hills, USNR (3 planes shot down); Lieutenant Junior Grade Harry C. McClaugherty, USNR; Ensign John A. Pond, USNR; Lieutenant Junior Grade Don E. "Dagwood" Reeves, USNR (4); Commander Edward C. Outlaw, USN (5); Lieutenant Junior Grade R.A. Schulze, USNR; Lieutenant Junior Grade Richard H. May, USNR (3).

U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-244873.

Lieutenant Commander Edward C. Outlaw, Commander Fighting Squadron 32 and Air Group 32, with other VF-32 pilots in flight quarters after a sweep over Truk, 29 April 1944. Note steward serving drinks, status boards on the bulkhead and ventilator on the overhead.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-233487).

Captain Wallace M. Dillon, CO, USS Langley (CVL-27), pictured on the flight deck of his ship with Fighting Squadron (VF) 32 pilot, Lieutenant (junior grade) Don "Dagwood" Reeves, May 1944. LT(JG) Reeves claimed four Japanese planes during the Truk raid, 29 April, but was lost, 11 June, over Saipan.

Photo courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Captain Wallace M. Dillon pictured on the flight deck of the "small aircraft carrier" USS Langley (CVL-27) with Fighting Squadron (VF) 32 "Outlaw's Bandits" pilots, in May 1944.

Aces pictured include Lieutenant Hollis H. Hills (far left) and Commander Edward C. Outlaw (third from right).

VF-32 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 32, aboard Langley from her commissioning in August 1943 to September 1944.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1999.296.041.087.

Captain Wallace M. "Gotch" Dillon pictured with the scoreboard painted on the island of his ship, the light carrier USS Langley (CVL-27) in 1944.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1999.296.041.094.

Naval Aviator, Lieutenant Junior Grade William L. Patterson, USN. Photograph received 25 November 1944. Note moustache.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-287032.

LT Patterson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for "extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Naval Plane attached to the USS Langley (CVL-27), over the Bonin and Marianas Islands, from 13 June to 3 July 1944."

Church services held aboard USS Langley (CVL-27). Photograph released 30 June 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-700445.

An F6F "Hellcat" fighter landing "high" during flight operations in the vicinity of the Nansei Shoto, 10 October 1944. Task Force 38 carriers hit Japanese targets in the Okinawa area on that day.

"Japanese plane trails smoke and heads into sea as USS Langley (CVL-27) guns mortally blast a would-be attacker. Mist in right center is smoke from the guns." Photograph released 13 October 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-700447.

Scene on the flight deck, looking forward, as the carrier shoots down a Japanese plane during air attacks on Task Force 38 off Formosa, 14 October 1944. The falling plane is visible directly ahead of the ship.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-700447).

Anchored in Ulithi harbor, Caroline Islands, on 31 October 1944, following the Battle of Leyte Gulf. USS Hornet (CV-12) and many other ships are in the background.

"LT Richard H. May was born May 16, '20 in Portland, OR, soloed at age 15, and was a licensed private pilot at age 16. He enrolled in Navy Flight Training, Corpus Christi, TX. graduating in June '42. He flew F4F Wildcats and F4U Corsairs in FS-3[(?)] and FS-10[(?)] before entering combat in F6F Hellcats, as section and division leader in Fighting Squadron (VF-32) attached to the carrier, USS Langley (CVL-27). Combat action, strafing and bombing, commenced at Marshall Island campaign in Jan '44. First opportunity for air-to-air combat came on March 29, off Eniwetok. May intercepted and shot down a Betty bomber. Off Woleai, April 2, he shot down the huge 'Flying Boat' bomber. At Truk Island, first strike of Task Force 58, May's 2 plane section, part of an 8 plane team, dove into a flight of 44 Tony fighters. In the melee 28 Tony's were destroyed. May made 6 of the kills. 3 kills were probable because the planes fell through an over-cast. Sight confirmation was impossible. Oct '44 Fighting 32nd returned to the States. May entered Test Pilot school at NAS Patuxent River. He served as a flight test pilot until leaving active duty in Sept. '45. As a reserve officer May joined the Naval Air Reserve Command for 'Week-End Warriors'. He flew Hellcats, Corsairs, F8F Bearcats and the jet F9F-6 Cougar. While serving as Commanding Officer of the reserve fighter squadron, Fighting 891, May led his squadron to the number one rated squadron among the Command's 96 fighter squadrons. After 17 years of flying in the Reserve May retired with the rank of Commander, with a total service of 23 yrs, of Active and Reserve duty. Combat and Fleet Tally: 93 combat flights which included 500 hrs of flying time in combat. 250 carrier landings flown, setting a Fleet record of 54 consecutive landings made aboard the carrier without receiving a mandatory wave-off from the Landing Signal Officer. Air-To-Air tally totaling 13 kills in the air. 7 kills confirmed. 6 kills probable. Commendations: 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 9 Air Medals."

USS Langley (CVL-27) refueling at sea, during the Philippines campaign. The photo is dated 13 November 1944, but according to their War Diaries, Task Group 38.3 refueled the previous day and attacked Japanese targets in the Philippines on the 13th.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-270704.

A Japanese plane is downed during an attack on Task Group 38.3. Photographed by USS Langley (CVL-27). Released on 25 November 1944.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-273035. Also at the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC).

Task Group 38.3 enters Ulithi anchorage in column, 12 December 1944 [see Note below], while returning from strikes on targets in the Philippines. Ships are (from front): Langley (CVL-27); Ticonderoga (CV-14); Washington (BB-56); North Carolina (BB-55); South Dakota (BB-57); Santa Fe (CL-60); Biloxi (CL-80); Mobile (CL-63) and Oakland (CL-95).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-301351).

Task Group 38.3 beginning to reform a column formation after making a simultaneous turn to port. The ships are entering Ulithi Anchorage on December 12, 1944 [see Note below] after strikes against the Japanese in the Philippines. Ships visible in this photo are: Langley (CVL-27); Ticonderoga (CV-14); Washington (BB-56); North Carolina (BB-55); South Dakota (BB-57); Santa Fe (CL-60); Biloxi (CL-80); Mobile (CL-63) and Oakland (CL-95).

Note: There is a problem with the official date of the photos above (NS022712 and NS015655: Task Group 38.3 arrived in Ulithi on December 2, 1944 after strikes against the Philippines; departed Ulithi again on December 11 to support General MacArthur's landings on Mindoro Island; was at sea, en route to the Philippines, on December 12; launched strikes against Japanese targets, December 14–16; endured Typhoon "Cobra," December 17–18; refueled and picked up survivors until December 21; and returned to Ulithi on December 24.

(Thanks to David Stubblebine, who pointed out the discrepancy).

USN Photo # 301359.

USS Remey (DD-688) alongside USS Langley (CVL-27), circa 1944. From the Milton W. Volkens Collection, via the Tailhook Association.

Grumman F6F Hellcats lashed to flight deck of USS Langley (CVL-27) during heavy weather operation of Task Group 38.3 in the China Sea. Note the extreme roll of the ship. Photograph released 10 January 1945.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-324526. Note, the photograph is curved.

USS Langley (CVL-27) rolling sharply as she rides out a Pacific storm, 13 January 1945. Photographed from USS Essex (CV-9).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-305484.

Note that Samuel Eliot Morison's History of U.S. Naval Operations in World War II, Vol. 13, captions this view as having been taken during the "Great Typhoon" of 18 December 1944. However, the most original source for this photo that has been found (thanks to David Stubblebine) is in the Essex After Action Report from the Indochina raids of January 1945, page 20 (photo NS022703a) and reads, "U.S.S. Langley heels over to heavy seas at fueling rendezvous in South China Sea 13 January, 1945."

Starboard quarter view of USS Langley (CVL-27) underway, circa 1945, location unknown. The ship is painted in Measure 21 camouflage scheme.

Australian War Memorial photo (# 302648).

"LT Carland Edward Brunmier of Fighting Squadron VF-44 downed six Japanese planes to earn the title 'fighter ace.' He was awarded the Navy Cross during his tour aboard the USS Langley (CVL-27). The Fighting Squadron VF-44 'Crusaders' was embarked aboard the USS Langley (CVL-27) from Oct 1944 to Feb 1945 flying F6F Hellcats. The squadron was commanded by CDR Malcolm T. Wordell (Ace with Seven Kills). Navy Citation reads:"

"'The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Carland Edward Brunmier, Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FORTY-FOUR (VF-44), embarked from the U.S.S. Langley (CVL-27), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. After one of our carriers had been seriously damaged, Lieutenant Commander Brunmier courageously led his division in a daring attack against twelve Japanese fighter planes within a much larger formation and, despite the overwhelming odds, succeeded in destroying three enemy planes, thereby contributing in large measure to the dispersal of the hostile forces at a critical time when it was within thirty miles of our surface units. By his splendid airmanship and gallant devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Brunmier upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service'. Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0568 (December 22, 1944)"

Official caption reads: "Commander L.A. Schearer (Chaplain Corps) conducts a burial at sea aboard USS Langley (CVL-27), 21 February 1945."

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-700444.

Note: CDR Leon Ambler Shearer (note spelling), Chaplain Corps, PE, served as chaplain aboard Langley from 1 July 1943 to 5 May 1944. The chaplain in early 1945 was LCDR Thomas Joseph Odlum, Chaplain Corps, RC. This photo appears to be related to the 21 January 1945 action:

"The Langley sustained one bomb hit from a 60 kilo bomb which penetrated the forward end of the flight deck killing Lieutenant (junior grade) Joseph P. Powell, USNR of Mansfield, Massachusetts, Ensign Robert H. Hedley, USNR, of Brookline, Massachusetts, and Gibson, Alvin (n), S2c, USNR of Manghas, Louisiana." (From Langley's War History.)

Captain John F. Wegforth on bridge of USS Langley (CVL-27) during attack off the coast of Formosa. Photograph received on 12 March 1945.

U.S. Navy photograph now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-304894).

USS Langley (CVL-27) underway in heavy seas, followed by destroyers, 18 March 1945.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.132.002.

USS Langley (CVL-27) underway with a task force in the Pacific, 27 March 1945. Photographed from USS McCord (DD-534).

Same photo as above, annotated:

"U.S.S. Langley, 11.000 ton Aircraft Carrier, length 610'0" 100.000 h.p.
speed 35 knots. Main Battery 40 and 20 mm., Aircraft 45. Crew 1400."

Homeward-Bound Pennant aboard USS Langley (CVL-27). According to tradition, a Naval ship which has been away from home port for a year or more makes a Homeward-Bound Pennant to fly at the main mast when leaving her last foreign port. Photograph released 20 May 1945. Langley departed Ulithi, en route to Pearl Harbor, on 17 May 1945.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-700448.

Sailors seen manning anti-aircraft gun tubs on USS Langley (CVL-27). The ship is steaming through a typhoon heavy seas in June 1945.

An aerial view of the Pearl Harbor shipyard piers on 13–14 August 1945, with USS Langley (CVL-27) at berth B3. She had had duty working up air groups.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-K-6051.

USS Langley (CVL-27) undergoes reactivation at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Pennsylvania, in January 1951. She was later transferred to the French Navy.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-425966.

Captain (later Rear Admiral) Wallace M. "Gotch" Dillon was the first commanding officer of USS Langley (CVL-27). This photo of then-Lieutenant Commander Dillon was signed for his friend and classmate Joseph J. "Jocko" Clark.

"To Jock Clark, Commander, Bombardiers, from Gotch Dillon"

Model of USS Langley (CVL-27) as she appeared during World War 2.

Model of USS Langley (CVL-27), as she appeared during World War 2, on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. Photos taken on 13 June 2008.

In French service, Langley was named La Fayette, after Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette. Born on 6 September 1757 at the Château Chavaniac, Auvergne (now Haute-Loire), France. Gilbert entered the French Army when he was not yet 14, and left France in 1777 to offer his sword to assist the American colonies in their War for Independence from Great Britain. His skillful maneuvering that played a major part in the defeat of the British at the siege of Yorktown in 1781 climaxed his brilliant military contributions to the colonists' cause. He returned to France in 1781, with the undying gratitude of the American people. Three years later, he visited the United States and received an enthusiastic welcome at Mount Vernon and wherever else he traveled in the country.

On the strength of his military achievements and love of freedom, he received (1789) the appointment as head of France's National Guard during the turmoil that accompanied the French Revolution. For two years, he counseled moderation in reform as the country struggled with its new political system. When war with the neighboring nations involved France in 1792, La Fayette commanded France's Armée du Centre (Army of the Center), on the northern and eastern frontiers; later he commanded the Armée du Nord (Army of the North). Captured by the Austrians, near Rochefort (in present-day Belgium) in August of that year, he served over five years' imprisonment until Napoleon Bonaparte secured his release after he ascended to power. La Fayette continued to participate actively in movements for liberty and freedom not only in his native France but elsewhere in the world of his day. He visited the United States again in 1824 to begin a 13-month triumphal tour.

Emerging from retirement to command the National Guard in the revolution that saw France become a constitutional monarchy (1830), justifying the cause that he had followed since his youth, La Fayette died in Paris on 20 May 1834.

Note on spelling: In France, a two-word spelling ("La Fayette") is official, but in the United States he is generally known as "Lafayette." Biographer Louis R. Gottschalk states that the marquis spelled his name both La Fayette and Lafayette. According to some sources, after the revolution of 1789 La Fayette decided to sign all his letters as "Lafayette," in one word, in reaction against the noble system.

NS022745: La Fayette as a Lieutenant General in 1791. Oil on canvas by Joseph-Désiré Court (image courtesy of Le musée de l'Histoire de France, Palace of Versailles, Joconde database entry 000PE005519).

NS024556a: Washington and Lafayette at Valley Forge. George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette on horseback at winter quarters in Valley Forge, Pa.; soldiers huddled around campfire in background. Painting by John Ward Dunsmore, c1907. Courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Reproduction Number LC-USZC4-6877, Call Number LOT 4412-ED.

Raising of the French national flag, as the ship was formally transferred to France in ceremonies at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Pennsylvania, 2 June 1951. Note U.S. Navy bandsmen in the center foreground.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-429464).

French aircraft carrier La Fayette (R96) at a United States port. She was armed and outfitted by the US Government. French sailors push an F4U-7 Corsair off elevator to hangar deck. Previously, she served in the US Navy as USS Langley (CVL-27).

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-476502.

French aircraft carrier La Fayette (R96) at a United States port. She was armed and outfitted by the US Government. US Sailors watch as the ship leaves the dock. Previously, she served in the US Navy as USS Langley (CVL-27). Photograph received 12 January 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-476503.

La Fayette (R96), ex-USS Langley (CVL-27), arriving in France on 11 September 1951, with her air group on deck. The air group consisted of 16 Grumman F6F-5 Hellcats, 4 F6F-5N Hellcat night fighters, and 12 Grumman TBM-3E Avengers. The carrier had just been transferred from the U.S. Navy to France. U.S. Navy photo from Naval Aviation News, November 1951.

French Aircraft Carrier La Fayette (R 96), formerly USS Langley (CVL-27).  Photographed 11 September 1951, probably at Toulon, France. Courtesy of Captain H.H. Smith-Hutton, USN, (Retired), via Captain Paul B. Ryan, USN, 1975.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 81901).

Note: The original photo comes from the Marius Bar collection, reference A07730.

Ceremonies on board, at Toulon, France, 11 September 1951, commemorating her entry into service after she was transferred to the French Navy by the U.S. Navy. Among those present:

Vice Admiral Nomy (at microphone), Chief of French Naval General Staff. In Whites, behind VAdm. Nomy (right to left): Captain Rieu; Vice Admiral Pothnau, Commander, French Fleet; Vice Admiral Jozan, Commander, Carriers; and Vice Admiral Sala, Prefet Maritime, Toulon. Officers in Blues are: Captain H.H. Smith-Hutton, USN, Naval Attache; Rear Admiral Peries, French Navy, Deputy Chief of Staff for Air; Captain Kaufmann, USN; Commander Sannoner and two aides.

Courtesy of Captain H.H. Smith-Hutton, USN (Retired), via Captain Paul B. Ryan, USN, 1975.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 81902).

Ceremonies on board, at Toulon, France, 11 September 1951, commemorating her entry into service after she was transferred to the French Navy by the U.S. Navy. Those present, in foreground, are:

Vice Admiral Pothnau (in Whites), Commanding French seagoing forces; Rear Admiral Peries (in Blues), Deputy Chief of Staff for French Naval Air; Vice Admiral Sala, Prefet Maritime, Toulon; Captain H.H. Smith-Hutton, USN, Naval Attache; and Captain Kaufmann, USN, (partially hidden).

Courtesy of Captain H.H. Smith-Hutton, USN (Retired), via Captain Paul B. Ryan, USN, 1975.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 81904).

Date and location unknown. She is carrying SK-2 and SP radars.

Undated photo of La Fayette (ex-USS Langley, CVL-27), whilst underway. French Navy, official.

Photo and text from "Jane's Fighting Ships, 1958–1959."

Undated image of La Fayette (R96), ex-USS Langley (CVL-27), underway at Brest. Photo Marine Nationale.

Undated image of FRS La Fayette (R96), ex-USS Langley (CVL-27), underway, location unknown. Note TBM Avengers parked on the flight deck. Photo Marine Nationale.

A series of four pictures showing F4U-7 Corsair crash aboard La Fayette (R96), ex-USS Langley (CVL-27), location and date unknown.

Photos Marine Nationale.

French aircraft carrier La Fayette (R96), ex-USS Langley (CVL-27), date and location unknown.

French aircraft carrier La Fayette (R96), ex-USS Langley (CVL-27), underway, date and location unknown.

La Fayette circa 1952, location unknown.

An F6F-5 Hellcat as it takes off from La Fayette (ex-USS Langley, CVL-27) as part of an airstrike in support of French ground forces. Photo French Navy.

From Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

Two French Aéronavale SB2C-5 Helldivers from the light aircraft carrier La Fayette (ex-USS Langley) over Tonkin to seek out the enemy. French Navy photo.

From Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

French Aircraft Carrier La Fayette (formerly USS Langley, CVL-27) prepares to launch a French Navy TBM-3E Avenger (USN Bureau # 85684) from her starboard catapult, during the 1950s.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 92501).

French Aircraft Carrier La Fayette (R96), formerly USS Langley (CVL-27), underway, Indochina, 1950s.

La Fayette during war operations in Indochina, March–June 1953. Photo taken from La Fayette's helicopter.

Georges was aboard, working with aircraft catapults.

La Fayette steaming from Toulon to Indochina, March 1953.

Photo from the official album given to members of the crew. Georges's is number 471.

Cap Saint Jacques, Indochina. Loading bombs for Hellcats and Helldivers.

Photo from the official album given to members of the crew. Georges's is number 471.

French warships off Nha Trang, Vietnam, during Operation Meknes and Atlas, 15-19 April 1953. The carrier La Fayette is at right. Colonial sloop in center may be Savorgnan de Brazza. The two aircraft tenders at left are Paul Goffeny and Commandant Robert Giraud.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 79383).

End of the operation. Arrival in Saigon, May 1953.

Photo from the official album given to members of the crew. Georges's is number 471.

Catapult-launching a Hellcat.

Photo from the official album given to members of the crew. Georges's is number 471.

Aviation officer guides planes in for recovering aboard La Fayette.

Photo from the official album given to members of the crew. Georges's is number 471.

French Aircraft Carrier La Fayette (R96), formerly USS Langley (CVL-27) in Indochina waters (Vietnam), 1953.

French Aircraft Carrier La Fayette (R96), formerly USS Langley (CVL-27), underway along the Indochina coast, circa 1953.

French Aircraft Carrier La Fayette (R96), formerly USS Langley (CVL-27), tied up in some Indo-Chinese port, circa 1953.

Circa 1954.

Circa 1954.

La Fayette entering Valletta Harbour, circa 1956. Photo A. & J. Pavia.

Photo and text from "Jane's Fighting Ships, 1956–1957."

At Toulon in October 1956 along with other French and British warships while preparing for the Suez operation. Ships are from top to bottom: the AA cruiser De Grasse, the aircraft carrier Arromanches (ex-HMS Colossus), the light cruiser Georges Leygues, the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle, the fleet oiler RFA Tiderange and La Fayette.

La Fayette, date and location unknown. Note lattice mast supporting an SPS-6 radar antenna between the pairs of funnels.

La Fayette (ex-USS Langley, CVL-27) underway in the early 1960s through the Suez Canal. Note both lifts are lowered, probably to ventilate the hangar.

Port bow oblique aerial view of La Fayette (R96)—ex-USS Langley (CVL-27)—underway circa 1961, location unknown. Note Piasecki (Vertol) HUP (later UH-25) Retriever helicopter forward of bridge and some of her aircraft complement parked aft with wings raised. Photo French Navy, Official.

Merchant Marine Memorial, St. Louis, Missouri. The memorial consists of an anchor from USS Langley (CVL-27), anchor chain and two dedication plaques. The memorial, dedicated on 22 May 2004, is located in front of the St. Louis Soldier Memorial.