I think we readily remember how members of the Greatest Generation saved civilization from the tyranny of Nazi rule. However, I think we often forget how wonderful they were at nicknames. I submit as my evidence the aircraft carrier USS Cowpens, or as the men liked to call her, "The Mighty Moo." Come on, if you don't at least smirk at that, you need to check with a doctor.

Author Nathan Canestaro has a personal stake in telling the story of the Moo. I can confidently state that Canestaro leaves no stone unturned in compiling his story about the carrier. The book is packed with facts about everything from the personnel to the latrines. The Mighty Moo saw lots of major events from the Pacific so a lot of the story will be familiar to World War II enthusiasts.

I would caution some readers about the writing style. Canestaro uses a military writing style which means he generally goes from fact to fact without many flourishes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that choice, but I know that some readers want a narrative writing style which is more conversational or character focused. Canestaro's character is the Moo and you don't get significant insight to any people. This is a military history and a good one. The reader just needs to know what they are getting into.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Twelve Books.)

I really enjoyed the historical element of this nonfiction book. I always enjoy learning about ships and think it was a interesting topic for a book. I thought Nathan Canestaro did the research and it had everything that I wanted.

This is a biography of a WWII light aircraft carrier. The CVLs were cruisers that were converted to carriers at the order of President Roosevelt. The navy didn’t want to comply, but the light carriers proved to be a blessing when too many fast fleet carriers were sunk early in the war.

Because the Cowpens was narrow, tall, and top-heavy, it listed to starboard. With their poor handling characteristics in heavy weather, it’s a wonder none of the CVLs capsized in Typhoon Cobra.

Several air groups and commandeering officers served aboard the Cowpens and many details are provided about them. Cowpens was the first US aircraft carrier in Tokyo Bay, not because of her war record, but because she was expendable. In case of Japanese treachery, the navy didn’t want any of the fast carriers in danger.