SCB-27

SCB-27 (also known as "Two Seven-Alpha" or "Two Seven-Charlie") was the United States Navy designation for a series of upgrades to the Essex-class aircraft carriers (both the short-hull and long-hull Ticonderoga versions), conducted between 1947 and 1955.

USS Oriskany, laid up incomplete at the conclusion of World War II, served as the prototype and was re-ordered to the SCB-27 standard.

In addition, the boiler uptakes were rebuilt and angled aft to accommodate a single radar and communications mast atop the island.

The armor belt was removed and blisters were fitted to the hull sides to compensate, widening waterline beam by 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.0 m).

[1] The greater capacity of steam catapults meant that the 27C ships were able to serve as attack carriers through the Vietnam era while their hydraulic-equipped 27A sisters were relegated to antisubmarine duties.

Portions of this entry were drawn from the Naval Historical Center SCB-27 information and photos Archived 20 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine