VERY GOOD BOOK. If you like aviation, the Navy, WW2, and Navy aircraft carriers you will like this book. I was serving aboard the USS MIDWAY during the Vietnam War.

“ The Mighty Moo” is the affectionate nickname give by her crew to the USS Cowpens, a an escort carrier which took part in numerous actions in the Pacific in WW2.
The author notes at the beginning that he wrote the book because his father served on the “Moo” and , like May veterans, did not tell much about his service except for the good times. This led the author to research the history of the “ Moo” and tells the tale of a ship that shed its reputation as a jinked, trouble- prone carrier to one that was honored as the only carrier present at the Surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay.
Mr. Canestaro’ s deep research is evident through out the book which is filled with technical details about everything from berths to breakfasts, living conditions to being under attack. The reader will be immersed in the history of the Cowpens boom the time the ship’s keel was laid ( it wasn’t . The keel, and all othe4s for this calls of “ jeep carriers” was originally intended for a new class of cruisers, but the need for carriers to replace battle losses overrode all planned construction.)
When the Moo finally goes into the Pacific, the reader sees how the officers , men and ship grew into their jobs despite hardships and tragedies. Especially riveting is the description of the Cowpens in the tremendous typhoon that struck the U S fleet , causing much loss of life.
At times the detail is overwhelming and slow the narrative, but on the whole “ The Mighty Moo” is a welcome addition to the history of the naval war against Japan form the experiences of the men who fought in underpowered, under armored, uncomfortable and unheralded escort carries.
Mr Canestaro honors his father well.
Note: I received a free digital copy of the book to read and review through .My thanks to Net Galley , the author and publisher for a chance to read this fascinating history book. Note2. : my copy did not have photos, maps tht will be in the final book ( The pages were marked as such. Too bad - they would make the reading even better, I am sure.

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.)

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.