SS United States Passes by the Newly Commissioned USS Forrestal (CVA-59), the First Aircraft Carrier Designed for Jet Aircraft

On a remarkable day in naval history, the ocean liner SS United States sailed past the newly commissioned USS Forrestal (CVA-59), the first aircraft carrier specifically designed to support jet aircraft. This moment symbolized the advancement of naval engineering and technology in the mid-20th century.

The USS Forrestal, named after the first U.S. Secretary of Defense, James Forrestal, represented a significant milestone in the evolution of aircraft carriers. Launched in 1954 and officially commissioned in 1955, it was the largest and most advanced carrier of its time. Unlike its predecessors, the Forrestal was designed from the ground up to accommodate jet aircraft, which had become central to military operations during and after World War II.

As the SS United States, known for holding the transatlantic speed record, passed by the Forrestal, it marked a convergence of two marvels of American engineering. While the SS United States epitomized civilian maritime prowess, the Forrestal symbolized the strength and future-forward thinking of the U.S. Navy. The sight of these two vessels in proximity highlighted the nation’s industrial capability and ambition during the post-war era.

This event became a symbolic representation of the United States’ dominance at sea—both in military and commercial endeavors—during a pivotal time in the Cold War.