Plane guard

The plane guard ship's position provides an additional point of reference to approaching aircraft.

One of the ship's boats is prepared for launch and swung over the side, but not placed in the water.

[citation needed] The plane guard role is dangerous for ships, as aircraft carriers must often change speed and direction to preserve optimum take-off and landing conditions for their aircraft, and a lack of awareness or any incorrect manoeuvres on the part of either ship can place a plane guard ship under the bows of a carrier travelling at full speed.

[2] After World War II, plane guard duties and search-and-rescue roles were sometimes carried out by amphibious aircraft.

However, prior to the Korean War helicopters were discovered to be more efficient and effective in both roles.