[Llarry]

The carrier aircraft numbers in the last post total 7,565 carrier fighters, dive bombers and torpedo bombers. Only about half of the aircraft were in combat at any given time, while the others were resting after combat tours, training and getting ready to go.

Contrast that with the U.S. Navy carrier force of 2024: 9 aircraft carriers/carrier air wings with just under 400 strike fighters. Of course, that is really an apples and oranges comparison -- the ships and aircraft of today are much, much more capable and have precision weapons. Interesting nonetheless.